Scientific Name
Lethrinus crocineus

Common Name
Yellowtail emperor

Biology
Dorsal spines : 10; Dorsal soft rays : 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Inner surface of the pectoral fin is densely scaled. The posterior angle of the operculum is fully scaled or sometimes with a wide scaleless area. Color of the body is tan or yellowish; the head is brown. The base of scales are sometimes black. Fins are pale or yellowish; the edge of the dorsal fin is reddish or yellowish.

Classification

Classified By

Smith, 1959

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Emperors or scavengers (Lethrinidae)

Distribution

Region

Western Indian Ocean

Distribution

Western Indian Ocean: Natal, South Africa to the Seychelles and Sri Lanka, possibly more widespread. Has previously been synonymized with Lethrinus mahsena which is now regarded as a separate species.

Range

10°N - 28°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

150 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range ? - 150 m

Trophic Level

3.65 s.e. 0.57 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

60.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

Moderate vulnerability (42 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated