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Lethrinus atlanticus Valenciennes, 1830 Atlantic emperor |
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photo by
Wirtz, P. |
| Family: | Lethrinidae (Emperors or scavengers), subfamily: Lethrininae | |||
| Max. size: | 50 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m, non-migratory | |||
| Distribution: | Eastern Central Atlantic: Senegal to Gabon; also Cape Verde, São Tome-Principe Islands, and Rolas Islands. There is little doubt that only a single species of Lethrinus exists in the tropical western Atlantic. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. The outer surface of the maxilla is smooth, without a knob or pronounced longitudinal ridge. Inner surface of the pectoral fin axil without scales. Overall color is olive green or brown and pinkish. The cheeks have a network of fine reticulations below the eye. | |||
| Biology: | Found in shallow coastal waters (Ref. 2263). Feeds mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Marketed fresh (Ref. 171), smoked and dried salted (Ref. 2295). Abundant during the winter months (Ref. 2683). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 May 2013 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||