Lutjanus sebae / Red Emperor

Recognising the shape of red emperor is generally the easiest form of positive identification, along with its red colouration. In juveniles the colour pattern is very distinct and striking with three darker red bars over a much paler red background.

The main threat to this species is probably habitat destruction by trawling which can flatten the coral around which red emperor live. Because we know so very little about the breeding, migration or movement of these fish it is extremely difficult to assess the impact of commercial and recreational fishing.

Western Fisheries magazine has reported that in some areas of the North-West the remaining biomass of red emperor may be as low as 20 per cent. This is generally considered to be a critical biomass level, below which the ability of the fish stocks to recover is very poor.

Red emperor are generally considered vulnerable to overfishing as they are at the top end of the desirability list of species for both the recreational and commercial sectors.

Big red emperor tend to hit hard and look for rough-edged coral lumps as soon as they feel resistance, and successful anglers rarely use line under 24kg. Many are now opting for the advantages of gelspun.

Standard dropper rigs – not unlike those used farther south for dhufish – are popular in breaking strains of 50 kilos upwards. Hooks should start at 7/0 and be strong. Circle hooks (see Boating Angler, Dec/Jan 1999) can also prove to be very effective but their sizes are a bit strange and you will probably need around 12/0 upwards in this hook style.

Red emperor are not too selective about bait so long as it’s fresh and a reasonable size. Pieces of mackerel or tuna are good, as are mulies. Occasionally a whole squid will do the trick.

tag: merah coreng