Fin's Fish Guide
The Emperor (Lethrinus obsoletus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
The orange-striped emperor is an emperor (Lethrinidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 60 cm and has an elongate, olive-grey body with a conspicuous orange to yellow longitudinal stripe along the flank. As a bottom-oriented predator it lives on sandy and seagrass flats near reefs to about thirty metres deep and hunts mainly at night for molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Emperor?
The Emperor has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Orange longitudinal stripe; nocturnal bigeye
Where does the Emperor live?
The Emperor lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Emperor get?
The Emperor grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Emperor dangerous to humans?
No, the Emperor is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Emperor edible?
Yes, the Emperor is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lethrinus
More from the family Lethrinidae
Want the complete picture on the Emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.