Fin's Fish Guide
The Lance emperor (Lethrinus genivittatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The longspine emperor is an emperor fish from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from Indonesia and northwestern Australia to the Philippines, southern Japan and the Caroline Islands. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a streamlined, tan to brown body with a paler underside, three longitudinal stripes and a square black blotch above the pectoral fin; the elongated second dorsal spine is distinctive. It lives on sand and seagrass bottoms, in mangroves and on reef slopes between 5 and 25 metres depth and eats crustaceans and small fish. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite. It is a food fish; the IUCN assesses it as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lance emperor?
The Lance emperor has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Elongated second dorsal fin spine; square black blotch above the pectoral fin; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Lance emperor live?
The Lance emperor lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Lance emperor get?
The Lance emperor grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Lance emperor dangerous to humans?
No, the Lance 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 Lance emperor edible?
Yes, the Lance emperor is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Lance emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lance emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Lance emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lance emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.