Longnose Emperor

Lethrinus olivaceus is a species of bony fishes belonging to the family Lethrinidae.

Description

Lethrinus olivaceus can reach a length of about 70–100 centimetres (28–39 in). This large lethrinid has a very long snout, with dark wavy streaks. The basic color of the body is olive-grayish, usually with various irregular darker blotches. It has 10 dorsal spine, 9 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines and 8 anal soft rays. This fish feeds mainly on crustaceans, cephalopods and fishes.

Distribution and habitat

This species is widespread in Indo-West Pacific, from Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa and Ryukyu Islands. It is a reef-associated species and it can be found in lagoons, in sandy coastal areas and in reef slopes, at depths of 1 to 185 m. It is occasionally found in small schools with Lethrinus microdon.