Emperor Red Snapper (Lutjanus sebae)

Fish in the family Lutjanidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameLutjanus sebae

FamilyLutjanidae

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size28 in

Minimum tank size180 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-80°F pH: 8.1-8.4 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Adult Emperor Red Snappers display a distinctive pattern of white vertical stripes on a silvery-red body with darker red coloration on the upper dorsal region and fins. Juveniles show more prominent white barring that fades with age; the overall body form is deep and laterally compressed with a pointed snout.

Diet and feeding

Feed a varied diet of high-quality carnivorous preparations including frozen mysis shrimp, krill, and meaty fish-based pellets. Offer food 2–3 times daily in smaller portions; juveniles require more frequent feeding than adults.

Difficulty and care for the Emperor Red Snapper

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef and Samoa, typically in coral reef environments at depths of 5–300 meters.

Log Emperor Red Snapper in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Emperor Red Snapper alongside everything else in your reef.

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