Common name: Emperor red snapper
General information
The Red Emperor Snapper, Lutjanus sebae, is a strikingly colorful fish that adds a splash of vibrancy to any large marine aquarium. Known for its bright red to pink body with white and black bands, this species is a favorite among aquarists who appreciate its bold presence. It is a large species, growing up to 35 inches in the wild, though in captivity they usually reach about half that size.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs large tank and hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers meaty foods like shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on smaller fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially during feeding
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilySnappersLutjanidae
- GenusSnappersLutjanus
- SpeciesEmperor red snapperLutjanus sebae (Cuvier, 1816)
- SynonymsDiacope civis Valenciennes, 1831Diacope sebae Cuvier, 1816Diacope siamensis Valenciennes, 1830Genyoroge regia De Vis, 1884Lutianus sebae (Cuvier, 1816)
Care
Due to their potential size, Red Emperor Snappers require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy. They are not reef-safe as they will prey on smaller fish and invertebrates.
Reproduction
In the wild, Red Emperor Snappers form large aggregations to spawn. Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare and challenging. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column.
Habitat
Red Emperor Snappers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and adjacent sandy areas, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 180 meters. Juveniles are often found in shallower, protected coastal waters, while adults prefer deeper offshore reefs.