Fish
Longnose Emperor
Lethrinus olivaceus
A large, long-snouted emperor of tropical reefs and sand flats, a powerful predator prized by spearos on our northern coast.
- Habitat
- Tropical reef edges and sand flats
The longnose emperor is one of the bigger members of the family, recognised by its notably pointed, elongate snout and streamlined silvery body. Adults are a plain grey to olive, often able to flush darker blotches when excited.
It is a roving hunter of reef edges, drop-offs and neighbouring sand, taking fish and hard-shelled invertebrates. A wary, hard-fighting fish, it is a respected target for anglers and spearfishermen in the warmer waters of the region.