Emperors

Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus)

The Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) belongs to the family Lethrinidae (emperors) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 70 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus), a Red Sea fish of the emperors family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameLethrinus nebulosus
FamilyEmperors (Lethrinidae)
Common name (IT)Dentice nebuloso
Common name (EN)Spangled emperor
Maximum size70 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Spangled emperor belong to?
The Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) belongs to the family Lethrinidae (emperors).
Is the Spangled emperor dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Spangled emperor endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Spangled emperor get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 70 cm.

Explore the Spangled emperor in 3D in the interactive atlas →