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Spangled
emperor
Lethrinus
nebulosus
Family Lethrinidae
updated
Sep 2020
Where
seen? Colourful
juveniles are sometimes seen on some of our shores, near seagrasses
and reefs. Elsewhere, the fish is found in reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves
and sandy and rocky shores. Adults are solitary or in small schools;
juveniles form large schools in shallow, sheltered sandy areas, among
seagrasses, algae or sponge habitats at various depths.
Features: To about 70cm, those
seen on the intertidal about 15cm. Like other members of the Family
Lethrinidae, it has large scales in a 'distinctive pattern' -- a kind
of diamond pattern. Overall body colour pale, yellowish or bronze,
lighter below. Sometimes irregular dark indistinct bars on sides and
a square black blotch above pectoral fin bordering below the lateral
line. Three blue streaks or series of blue spots on the top of the
head from the eyes. Fins whitish or yellowish; the pelvic dusky, the
edge of the dorsal fin is reddish. Juveniles variable with blotches
or stripes and changes with habitat. |
Sisters Island,
Jul 10 |
Pulau Sekudu,
May 12 |
What does it eat? It eats echinoderms,
molluscs and crustaceans, and to some extent on polychaetes worms
and other fishes.
Human uses: It is valued as seafood.
This species can survive for long periods in salinities as low as
10 parts per thousand and therefore it is a potential estuarine aquaculture
species. |
| Spangled
emperors on Singapore shores |
| Other sightings on Singapore shores |
|
Changi Carpark 7, Jun 23
Photo
shared by Richard Kuah on facebook. |
Chek Jawa, Jun 21
Photo
shared by Loh Kok Sheng on facebook. |
|
Sentosa Tg Rimau, Nov 20
Photo
shared by Richard Kuah on facebook |
Kusu Island, Jul 20
Photo
shared by Dayna Cheah on facebook. |
Terumbu Raya, Aug 14
Photo
shared by Jianlin Liu on facebook. |
Beting Bemban Besar, Aug 12
Photo
shared by Russel Low on facebook. |
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Pulau Salu, Apr 21
Photo
shared by Marcus Ng on facebook. |
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Links
References
- Allen, Gerry,
2000. Marine
Fishes of South-East Asia: A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers
 .
Periplus Editions. 292 pp.
- Kuiter, Rudie
H. 2002. Guide
to Sea Fishes of Australia: A Comprehensive Reference for Divers
& Fishermen
New Holland Publishers. 434pp.
- Lieske,
Ewald and Robert Myers. 2001. Coral
Reef Fishes of the World
Periplus Editions. 400pp.
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