Marine Life

Redaxil emperor

Thun raiy filolhu

Lethrinus conchyliatus

Lethrinus conchyliatus resembles the adult form of L. variegates in general appearance, but it is much larger in size and has distinctive red marks on the edge of the opercle and on the pectoral base. In the Maldives, this species is mainly caught by handlines during the day.

Details

§ 01

size: Common to 50 cm; max. 76 cm
color: Body and head brownish or grey, lighter ventrally. Lips, base and patch above base of pectoral fin and edge of operculum red. Fins orangish, dusky or mottled.
order: Perciformes
family: Lethrinidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/lethrinus-conchyliatus.png
habitat and biology: This species inhabits the deeper parts of coastal waters, reaching depths of up to 220 m. Its diet consists mainly of fish and crustaceans.
distinctive characters: The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 9 rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 rays, and the pectoral fin has 13 rays. The body is elongated and has a depth of 3.2-3.4 inches in standard length. The eye is placed well below the dorsal profile, the snout is long and thin with a distinct hump before the eyes, and the interorbital space is prominently convex. The lips are fleshy and curve outward from the snout instead of following its profile.