Common name: Emperor red snapper

Scientific name: Lutjanus sebae (Cuvier, 1816)
Red Emperor Snapper, lutjanus sebae, close upLutjanus sebae, emperor red snapper, is species of snapper native to Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean.

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
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Snappers
    Lutjanidae
  6. Genus
    Snappers
    Lutjanus
  7. Species
    Emperor red snapper
    Lutjanus sebae (Cuvier, 1816)
  8. Synonyms
    Diacope civis Valenciennes, 1831
    Diacope sebae Cuvier, 1816
    Diacope siamensis Valenciennes, 1830
    Genyoroge regia De Vis, 1884
    Lutianus 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.