Lethrinidae

Common Names

Members of the Lethrinidae family are commonly known as emperor breams or emperor fishes. These names likely stem from their regal appearance, with their colorful scales and large, prominent lips. Depending on the species and region, they may also be called "sweetlips," "red emperor," or "goldband emperor."

Characteristics

Lethrinidae exhibit several distinct characteristics:

• Robust Body: Lethrinids have a deep, laterally compressed body with a prominent dorsal fin. Their scales are typically large and cycloid (smooth and rounded).
• Fleshy Lips: One of their most notable features is their thick, fleshy lips, which are used for feeding on benthic organisms like invertebrates.
• Teeth: Lethrinids have a variety of teeth, including incisor-like teeth in the front and molar-like teeth in the back. The specific arrangement and shape of their teeth vary depending on their diet.
• Coloration: Lethrinids display a diverse range of colors, often with vibrant hues of red, yellow, orange, and blue. Some species have distinct patterns like stripes or bands.
• Size: Depending on the species, Lethrinids can range in size from 10 to 150 cm in length. The largest species, the red emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus), can reach up to 1.5 meters in length.

Environment

Lethrinidae are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Their habitat preference varies depending on the species, but many Lethrinids are found in coastal waters, reefs, and rocky areas.

• Coral Reefs: Many Lethrinids are associated with coral reef ecosystems, where they find shelter and a plentiful supply of food.
• Rocky Areas: They may also be found in rocky areas, particularly those with crevices and ledges where they can hide from predators.
• Seagrass Beds: Some species, like the goldband emperor (Lethrinus rubrioperculatus), are known to inhabit seagrass beds.

References

For more information, consult the following resources:

• FishBase
• Wikipedia
• WoRMS