Emperors

Orange-striped emperor (Lethrinus obsoletus)

The Orange-striped emperor (Lethrinus obsoletus) 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 30 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Orange-striped emperor (Lethrinus obsoletus), a Red Sea fish of the emperors family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameLethrinus obsoletus
FamilyEmperors (Lethrinidae)
Common name (IT)Dentice a striscia arancio
Common name (EN)Orange-striped emperor
Maximum size30 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 Orange-striped emperor belong to?
The Orange-striped emperor (Lethrinus obsoletus) belongs to the family Lethrinidae (emperors).
Is the Orange-striped emperor dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Orange-striped 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 Orange-striped emperor get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 30 cm.

Explore the Orange-striped emperor in 3D in the interactive atlas →