Spangled Emperor
Lethrinus Nebulosus
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Quick Facts
Distribution
Interesting Info
- Spangled Emperor are more of a solitary fish but also known to school in small groups. Adults are commonly found over coral reefs, whilst juvenile fish can be found in seagrass beds and mangrove estuaries. Younger fish can be found in large schools which reduces as they age.
- They are a non-migratory fish that are very active at night.
- Spangled Emperor are carnivores, feeding on smaller fish, molluscs, crustaceans and polychaete worms.
- Estimated lifespan is around 30 years with the fish maturing between 3 & 4 years of age.
- The main predators of the Grass Emperor include sharks and larger predatory fish.
Species Interaction
Commercial & Recreational Fishing
Spangled Emperors like most of its species are a highly targeted fish as they have a strong fight and are a great table fish. The Spangled Emperor does have economic relevance and is commercially fished.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Lethrinidae
Genus: Lethrinus
Species: Lethrinus nebulosus
Conservation Status
Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Spangled Emperors are currently categorised as “Least Concern”(LC).
LC is the lowest category on the scale for risk with “Extinct”(EX) being the highest.
Fish Taste Quality
Spangled Emperor are a good table fish. Often served whole or as fillets.
Taste Rating: 4/5
How to catch
Spangled Emperor
Catch Difficulty: Intermediate
Tackle: Patternoster Rig, Running Sinker Rig, Artificial Rig
Bait: Crab, Fresh cut flesh baits, Lures, Bait jig, Octopus, Pilchards, Prawns, Squid, Worms, Soft plastics
Technique: Keep bait close to the reef/structure, Cast lures close to structure
Popularity: Highly Targeted
