Fin's Fish Guide
The Ornate emperor (Lethrinus ornatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The ornate emperor is an emperor (Lethrinidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, silvery body with orange-yellow lengthwise lines and often a red tinge on the fins. It inhabits sand and soft bottoms and seagrass beds in inshore bays, lagoons and areas near reefs. As a bottom hunter it cracks hard-shelled prey such as molluscs and crustaceans. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ornate emperor?
The Ornate emperor has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Orange-yellow longitudinal lines; bottom hunter that crushes hard-shelled prey on sandy bottoms and seagrass.
Where does the Ornate emperor live?
The Ornate emperor lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; sandy bottoms and seagrass beds of coastal bays.
How big does the Ornate emperor get?
The Ornate emperor grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Ornate emperor dangerous to humans?
No, the Ornate emperor is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ornate emperor edible?
Yes, the Ornate emperor is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Ornate emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ornate 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 Ornate emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ornate emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.