Fin's Fish Guide
The Emperor bream (Lutjanus sebae) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 116 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; coral and rocky reefs, juveniles in mangroves or among sea urchins.
Description
The emperor red snapper is a large snapper of the family Lutjanidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1.16 metres; juveniles are white with three broad, brown-red oblique bands that fade with age to a nearly uniform red-pink adult colour. Juveniles often shelter among the spines of sea urchins or in mangroves; adults inhabit coral and rocky reefs. As a predator it hunts fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. The emperor red snapper is a highly valued food fish. Large reef specimens can locally contain ciguatera; do not eat those.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Emperor bream?
The Emperor bream has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Juveniles white with brown-red oblique bands, adults reddish pink; juveniles shelter near sea urchins. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Emperor bream live?
The Emperor bream lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coral and rocky reefs, juveniles in mangroves or among sea urchins.
How big does the Emperor bream get?
The Emperor bream grows to a maximum of about 116 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Emperor bream dangerous to humans?
The Emperor bream is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The flesh can contain ciguatera in tropical areas; do not eat large reef specimens from risk areas. In case of poisoning (tingling, gastrointestinal symptoms, temperature-reversal sensation), seek medical care.
Is the Emperor bream edible?
Yes, the Emperor bream is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lutjanus
More from the family Lutjanidae
Want the complete picture on the Emperor bream?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Emperor bream is one of 12,519 species in the app.