Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotcheek emperor (Lethrinus rubrioperculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 57 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Brunei Darsm, Sri Lanka, China and others
Description
The spotcheek emperor is an emperor (Lethrinidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 57 cm and has an elongate, olive-grey body with a conspicuous red spot at the upper edge of the gill cover. As a bottom-oriented predator it lives around coral and rocky reefs and on adjacent sand flats to several tens of metres 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 Spotcheek emperor?
The Spotcheek emperor has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Spotcheek emperor live?
The Spotcheek emperor lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Brunei Darsm, Sri Lanka, China and others
How big does the Spotcheek emperor get?
The Spotcheek emperor grows to a maximum of about 57 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Spotcheek emperor dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotcheek 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 Spotcheek emperor edible?
Yes, the Spotcheek emperor is a highly prized food fish.
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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 Spotcheek emperor?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotcheek emperor is one of 12,519 species in the app.