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Longnose Emperor

Longnose Emperor

Lethrinus Olivaceus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Lethrinus Olivaceus

Other names Longface Emperor, Longnosed Emperor

Size Up to 1 m (3.2 ft)

Weight Up to 14 kg (30 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, sandy areas, lagoon reefs, reef slopes, edges & drop offs

Depth Range

Interesting Info

Adult Longnose Emperor are more of a solitary fish but also known to school in small groups. They are commonly found near coral reef slopes and drop offs, whilst juvenile fish can be found in sandy areas of lagoons and reef edges. Younger fish are known to form large schools.
They have the largest and longest snout of all emperors.
Longnose Emperors are carnivores, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, squid and octopus.
Estimated lifespan is around 22 years with the fish maturing between 3 & 4 years of age.
Like many emperor fish, Longnose Emperors are functional protogynous hermaphrodite (able to change sex).
Larger adult fish are know to have ciguatoxin (fish poisoning).
The main predators of the Longnose Emperor include sharks and larger predatory fish.

Species Interaction

Commercial & Recreational Fishing

Longnose Emperors are one of the largest of its species and a popular sports fish known for a tough fight and are a good table fish. In many parts of the world they are commercially fished.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Lethrinidae

Genus: Lethrinus

Species: Lethrinus olivaceus

Conservation Status

Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)Longnose Emperor are categorised as “Data Deficient” as there is not enough information on the species for proper assessment.
However, as its a fast growing species there are limited concerns of over fishing.