Key Takeaways
| Fact | Description |
| Scientific Name | Lutjanus Sebae |
| Common Names | red emperor, emperor red snapper, government bream, king snapper, queenfish or red kelp. |
| Habitat | Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean |
| Diet | Carnivorous, feeds on fish, shrimp, squid, clams and other meaty fares. |
| Size | Up to 46 inches (116 cm) |
| Lifespan | Up to 40 years |
Introduction
The Emperor Snapper, also known by its scientific name Lutjanus sebae, is a species of marine ray-finned fish. This fish is also called red emperor, emperor red snapper, government bream, king snapper, queenfish or red kelp.
Physical Characteristics
The Emperor Snapper is a unique fish with a body that’s quite deep, in fact, its length is just a little over twice its depth. It has a forehead that slopes steeply and a snout with an upper profile that’s either straight or slightly rounded. One interesting fact about this fish is that it has teeth arranged in a crescent shape or triangular patch with no rearwards extension, and there are no teeth on its smooth tongue. This fish has a color that can be described as a shade of red or pink, and its fins share the same red color.
Size
It’s a large fish, capable of growing up to 46 inches (116 cm) long and can also weigh as much as 72 lbs (32.7kg)
Distribution
The Emperor Snapper is a marine fish that calls the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean its home. You can find it in a range of places from South Africa and the Red Sea to Indonesia, southeastern Australia, the Philippines, Fiji, and north to southern Japan.
Habitat
The habitats of this fish vary depending on its age. You can find these young snappers in inshore reef methods, construction, and gravel patches.
Deeper offshore waters, particularly those near coral reefs and adjoining sand areas, are where adult Emperor Snappers reside. They also prefer deep isolated reefs, coral structures, small rises, and bottoms covered in rubble and gravel.
Diet
The diet of the Emperor Snapper is primarily carnivorous. It feeds on fish, shrimp, squid, clams and other meaty fares.
Lifespan
They can live up to 40 years.
Reproduction
Little are known on the reproduction for the Emperor snapper. But the fish is slow growing that both male and female reach maturity when they are 9 years age.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Emperor Snapper is classified as “Least Concern” according to IUCN. This means that it’s not currently facing an immediate threat of extinction. However, it’s important for fisheries management authorities to monitor their populations closely to ensure sustainable fishing practices are maintained.
Conclusion
Emperor Snapper, or Lutjanus sebae, is a fascinating marine species known for its impressive size and striking appearance. It inhabits the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean. The Emperor Snapper’s diet is primarily carnivorous, feeding on shrimp, squid, clams, fish, and other meaty fares. It’s a long-lived fish with a lifespan of up to 40 years. The species is currently classified as “Least Concern” according to IUCN, indicating it’s not facing an immediate threat of extinction. However, sustainable fishing practices are crucial for its continued survival.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutjanus_sebae
- https://www.seafishpool.com/red-emperor/