The least wary species of the Lethrinus genus, the Harak, is a common emperor found on shallow reef flats and sea grass areas of the Maldives, and can be easily approached.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 30 cm; max. 50 cm
color
Olive green above and ligher below. Blue spots sometimes under eye and between nostrils. Throat and edge of lips rosy red. A large, black, oblong blotch often with a golden yellow rim present on side of body. All fins pinkish or rosy red. Vertical fins sometimes mottled or striped.
This species is typically found in shallow sandy habitats, coral rubble, mangroves, lagoons and seagrass beds. It is usually seen alone and feeds on benthic invertebrates, molluscs and small fish.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 10 spines and 9 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, and a pectoral fin with 13 rays. Its body is moderately deep, measuring 2.6-2.8 inches in standard length, and the posterior lateral teeth include distinct molars in adults. The inner surface of the pectoral fin base is densely scaled.