Lethrinus semicinctus

Osteichthyes Lethrinidae Genus Lethrinus Lethrinus semicinctus

Blackblotch emperor

21.2 cm TL

Characteristic features:

Colour:

Brownish with small dark blotches, larger dark blotch below lateral line under soft portion of dorsal fin, fins reddish.

Size:

Up to 35 cm TL.

Distribution:

East Indian & West Pacific, in tropical waters.

Habitat:

Shallow coastal habitats and coral reefs, from 4 to 35 m depth.

Biology:

Feeds on benthic invertebrates and small fishes.

Indonesian fisheries:

Caught by shore seine, trawl, trap, and handline.

Similar species:

Lethrinus ravus
Drab emperor

Lethrinus ravus differs in having no large black blotch on sides (vs. a large, irregular black blotch on sides) and 6–10 scales in supratemporal patch (vs. 4–7).

to Lethrinus ravus

Lethrinus harak
Thumbprint emperor

Lethrinus harak differs in having inner surface of pectoral-fin base densely covered with scales (vs. naked) and a singular, diffuse black blotch on sides below mid dorsal fin (vs. numerous small dark blotches and a larger dark blotch on sides below soft dorsal-fin rays).

to Lethrinus harak

Lethrinus variegatus
Slender emperor

Lethrinus variegatus differs in having no black blotch on sides (vs. numerous small dark blotches and a larger dark blotch on sides).

to Lethrinus variegatus

External links:

FishBase
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species^TM