Range and Identity
Lutjanus sebae occurs from the Red Sea and East Africa toward Japan, New Caledonia and Australia. It is a snapper despite the emperor common name. The scientific identity helps distinguish it from fishes in the emperor family and from other red-colored reef predators.
Habitat and Behavior
Reefs and adjacent sand or gravel provide habitat. Juveniles can shelter among sea-urchin spines or occur in turbid coastal areas near mangroves. Larger fish are often associated with deeper bottoms. Seasonal movement toward shallower water described in a region should not be assumed everywhere.
Food and Life History
Fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods are recorded prey. Individuals may occur alone or in groups, and reproduction involves broadcast spawning. Upper references are 116 centimeters fork length and 32.7 kilograms. Fork length ends at the tail fork, so it is not interchangeable with total length.
Field Note
Keep the length convention with a large-fish record. This species’ published upper reference uses fork length, an important distinction when comparing it with other snapper measurements.
All Lakes With Red Emperor
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Red Emperor records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.