The Emperor Snapper, also known as the Sebae Snapper, is vividly marked as a juvenile, with bold red to black stripes on a white body. It is an extremely fast-growing fish, and with age, the striping begins to fade until the fish is an overall reddish-pink color.

A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary for this hardy and big fish. As a juvenile, it likes to school with other Emperor Snappers, but as an adult, it should be alone in the tank. It may eat ornamental crustaceans in the aquarium.

The Emperor Snapper should be fed once a day with its favorite meaty foods including chopped meats (scallop, shrimp, fish).

Snappers are members of the Lutjanidae family which has 17 genera and 103 species. They are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

FIsh Facts

Name: Emperor Snapper (Lutjanus sebae)

Family: Lutjanidae

Range: Western Pacific

Size: Up to 30 inches

Diet: Carnivore

Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants

Reef Compatible: No

Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4

Minimum Tank Capacity: 180 gallon

Light: High

Temperament: Peaceful

Swimming Level: No specific level

Care Level: Difficult

Reproduction: Egg Layer