Sweetlip Emperor

This species is distinguished by the following characters: body moderately deep, its depth 2.4-2.8 times in standard length; head length 0.9-1 times in body depth, 2.5-2.9 times in SL, dorsal profile near eye slightly convex; snout moderately long, its length about 1.7-2.4 times in HL, measured without the lip the snout is 0.9-1 times in cheek height, its dorsal profile slightly concave, snout angle relative to upper jaw between 50° and 65°; interorbital space convex to flat; posterior nostril an oblong longitudinal opening, closer to orbit than anterior nostril; eye situated close to dorsal profile, its length 3.4-5.4 times in HL; cheek moderately high, its height 2.0-2.9 times in HL; lateral teeth in jaws conical; outer surface of maxilla smooth or with a longitudinal ridge; D X,9 with the 3rd dorsal-fin spine usually longest, its length 2.3-2.9 times in body depth; A III,8 with the 1st or 2nd soft ray usually the longest, its length almost equal to or slightly longer than length of base of soft-rayed portion of anal fin and 1.3-1.4 times in length of entire anal-fin base; pectoral-fin rays 13; pelvic-fin membranes between rays closest to body usually with dense melanophores; no scales on cheek; 46-48 lateral-line scales; 4½ scale rows between lateral line and base of middle dorsal-fin spines; 15 to 17 scale rows in transverse series between origin of anal fin and lateral line; usually 15 rows in lower series of scales around caudal peduncle; 2-7 scales in supratemporal patch; inner surface of pectoral fins partially or densely covered with scales; posterior angle of operculum fully scaly. Colour of body silvery, tan, or yellowish, base of scales often black, often a series of 8-9 dark bars (may be absent in some individuals); base of pectoral fins red; sometimes a red streak originating on upper operculum, passing beneath eye and onto snout; 2 red spots often on upper rim of eye; lips reddish; fins pale or reddish, sometimes brilliant red on membranes near base of pelvic fins, and between spinous rays of dorsal and anal fin (Ref 68703).

L. miniatus are serial hermaphrodites with a protogynous strategy (i.e, female first, male second). Sexual bimodality was present in both age and length frequency distributions (Brown et al 1994).Juveniles live in shallow, inshore waters such as seagrass and mangrove areas, moving into deeper water as they age (Ref. 27260, 28202). Also Ref. 103751.

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Found in coral reefs during the day where they feed occasionally in sand and rubble areas between coral heads. Usually form small schools (Ref. 2295). Selective feeders (Ref. 6059).In Australia, juveniles 2-3 cm long have been collected from shallow, shoreline seagrass beds near Townsville in November. They appear to live in shallow, inshore waters such as seagrass and mangrove areas, the fish moving into deeper water as they age (Ref. 27260, 28202).On the Great Barrier Reef, L. miniatus are frequent inhabitants of midshelf reefs to greater than 15 m, and shoals in inter-reef areas and frequently found on the outershelf and deep reef areas, 15-100 m. They can be found to 128 m on the Great Barrier Reef (Newman & Williams 1996).

Adults inhabit coral reefs during daytime where they feed occasionally in sand and rubble areas between coral heads. At night, they move out over the sandy sea floor and forage actively. Usually occur in small schools. Juveniles live in shallow, inshore waters such as seagrass and mangrove areas, moving into deeper water as they age (Ref. 27260, 28202). Feed mainly on crustaceans, echinoderms, mollusks and fish, with crabs and sea urchins predominating. Much of the information reported for this species was based on misidentifications and referred to L. olivaceous (see Ref. 2295). Marketed fresh or frozen (Ref. 9987). Caught primarily by handline. One of the favourite food and sport fishes around the Great Barrier Reef. A major food fish in New Caledonia. Occasionally implicated in cases of fish poisoning (ciguatoxin) (Ref. 68703).

fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; price category: very high; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family

Lethrinus miniatus, the sweetlip emperor, sweetlip swoose or trumpet emperor, is a fish of the family Lethrinidae. It can be found on coral reefs and moderately warm waters in the Western Pacific Ocean, although its primary habitat is the Great Barrier Reef. It can also be found in the coastal regions in the centre of Western Australia.

Growing up to 90 centimetres (35 in) in length and 9.6 kg (21.2 lbs), it is light grey in colour and has small black scale centres dotted around its body. Its first dorsal (on the back or top of the fish) fin is red, before changing towards the tail to a darker colour. The area around the base of its pectoral fins (on the chest behind the head) is red or orange. The area around its eyes, the corner of its mouth and on parts of the fins on the bottom can also be red or orange.

Sweetlip emperors are carnivorous predators in the reef; however, their main prey are small crustaceans such as crabs, as well as sand dollars and small fish. They also eat most other organisms that live near the bottom of the reef.

Even though sweetlip emperors live at the bottom of the reef, they are found only on the continental shelf where the bottom is sandy and light. They also choose a home near a reef for protection from other predators.

Today, species of emperor in the reef (including the sweetlip emperor) are threatened because they are desired by both commercial fishing operations and pleasure fishers, due to their vibrant colour and delightful taste.

Sweetlip emperors have an unusual breeding and development pattern. Off the coast of Cairns, they spawn almost all the time. Off the coast of Townsville, they mate in June and August, and off the coast in October and November in more southern waters. These different breeding times are due to different water temperatures. Sweetlip emperors can spawn (like eggs that hatch eventually) only in warmer water.

The young live near the shore in seagrass beds and mangrove swamps, where the water is shallow. As they grow older, they begin to move out towards the ocean like the adults. As they grow and get older, their sex changes from female to male.

Inhabits coral reefs during daytime where it feeds occasionally in sand and rubble areas between coral heads. At night, they move out over the sandy sea floor and forage actively. Usually occurs in small schools. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs and fish, with crabs and sea urchins predominating. Much of the information reported for this species is based on misidentifications and refers to @L. olivaceous@ (see Ref. 2295).