Red Emperor

(Lutjanus Sebae)

Common Name

Government Bream, King Snapper, Red Kelp, or Red.

Description

The Red Emperor is a deep bodied fish, with powerful jaws and tail. It's color varies with age: the arrowhead pattern or stripes are more defined when the fish is younger. Adult fish are salmon-pink to pale or bright-red, and have three vertical bands of dark red: one slopes from the snout throught the eye, another broader one runs through the pectoral fin area, whilst the third slopes down into the lower tail fin. The fins themselves are all red, particulary the dorsal fin.

Size

The Red Emperor can grow to over 1.0 metres in length and can weigh as much as 20.0-22.0 kilos. However, weights of 1.0-8.0 kilos are the norm.

Habitat

Frequents tropical and sub-tropical waters. Prefers deep coral reefs. They are a schooling fish and are most active at night.

Feeding

Red Emperors feed on prawns, crabs, octopus, squid, cuttlefish and small live fish.

Fishing Techniques

Most Red Emperors are taken on baits of fish strips or squid from boats over reefs. Small live fish and rigged lure squid will catch many fish.

Fishing Tackle

A 1.0m-2.2m rod with 10.0-15.0 kilo fishing line, a Shimano baitrunner reel, 3/0-7/0 hooks, and jigs, spoons and minnow lures.

Eating

Red Emperors are a nice table fish, and are mainly filletted.

Bag Limit

Western Australia 8 per day,Queensland 10 per day.

Legal Size

Western Australia 41cm
Queensland 45cm