Fin's Fish Guide
The Emperor (Lethrinus olivaceus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The longface emperor is a large emperor from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 100 cm and has a streamlined, greyish body with a conspicuously long, pointed snout. As a fast reef predator it hunts fish, crustaceans and squid over sand and reef bottoms. It is a valued food fish, but in large specimens there are reports of ciguatera poisoning. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Emperor?
The Emperor has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Long pointed snout; fast reef predator with a ciguatera risk
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 100 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Emperor dangerous to humans?
The Emperor is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Eat large specimens with caution: there is a risk of ciguatera poisoning (nausea, tingling, hot/cold reversal). Seek medical help if symptoms follow consumption.
Is the Emperor edible?
The Emperor is rarely eaten.
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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.