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