Lethrinus semicinctus Valenciennes, 1830
Black blotch emperor
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Lethrinidae (Emperors or scavengers), subfamily: Lethrininae
Max. size:  35 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 35 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Sri Lanka to the Marshall and Solomon islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Body is brown or tan, with scattered irregular small black blotches, a large oblong black blotch below soft-rayed portion of dorsal fin and bordering below the lateral line. The fins are pale or pinkish.
Biology:  Solitary or in groups (Ref. 90102). Inhabits shallow seagrass beds, reef flats, lagoons, and sandy areas near coral reefs. Feeds on benthic invertebrates and small fish. Also caught with beach seines and handlines and is marketed fresh (Ref. 9775).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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