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Snubnose emperor (Lethrinus borbonicus) — Lethrinidae

Snubnose emperor

Lethrinus borbonicus
Family: Lethrinidae

The Snubnose emperor (Lethrinus borbonicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lethrinidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–40.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Snubnose emperor is an emperor (Lethrinidae) from the western Indian Ocean and Red Sea. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate body with a pointed snout and strong molars. The silver-grey body bears faint dark blotches and a yellowish tinge. As a bottom-oriented predator it searches coral and rocky reefs and sand and seagrass flats for 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 Snubnose emperor?

The Snubnose emperor has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Snubnose emperor live?

The Snubnose emperor lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Snubnose emperor get?

The Snubnose emperor grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Snubnose emperor dangerous to humans?

No, the Snubnose emperor is harmless to humans.

Is the Snubnose emperor edible?

Yes, the Snubnose emperor is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Stompneus-keizersbaars sourced
English name
Snubnose emperor sourced
Scientific name
Lethrinus borbonicus
Family
Lethrinidae
Other names
Snubnose emperor verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lethrinus

More from the family Lethrinidae

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