Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific yellowtail emperor (Lethrinus atkinsoni) is a saltwater fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Brunei Darsm, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Cocos Is. (Keel) and others
Description
Atkinson's emperor (Pacific yellowtail emperor) is an emperor (Lethrinidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has an elongate, olive-grey body with a yellowish tail and sometimes oblique lines on the head. As a bottom-oriented predator it lives around coral and rocky reefs and on adjacent sand and seagrass flats and hunts molluscs, crustaceans, sea urchins and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific yellowtail emperor?
The Pacific yellowtail emperor has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Pacific yellowtail emperor live?
The Pacific yellowtail emperor lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Brunei Darsm, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Cocos Is. (Keel) and others
How big does the Pacific yellowtail emperor get?
The Pacific yellowtail emperor grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 33 cm.
Is the Pacific yellowtail emperor dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific yellowtail 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 Pacific yellowtail emperor edible?
Yes, the Pacific yellowtail emperor is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
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Status & sources
Same genus Lethrinus
More from the family Lethrinidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific yellowtail emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific yellowtail emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.