Lethrinus olivaceus

The long faced emperor is an occasional host of reefs and sandy areas, usually isolated, and one of the largest representatives of the emperor family, together with L. nebulosus and L. erythracanthus.

It is also similar to Lethrinus microdon with which it can be confused (I cannot really tell the difference). It presents like many species of emperors several types of liveries, a monochrome, gray blue green or brown one, and a livery with a disruptive camouflage, usually brown. The emperor can shift from one livery to the other in a few seconds, like a cuttlefish. The long snout and mouth are characteristic, very elongated with red lips.

The long faced emperor is present all year, at any time.

It is caught mainly through agachon or direct approach, depending on whether it was spotted from the surface or during the descent, or after stalking at the bottom. As this fish is very wary, do not hesitate to extend your apnea, it may end up coming. Avoid being dragged by pursuing it to the depths, in the current zones. It can also be hunted in the shallow, especially in very murky waters.

Because it stays distant and its scales are a little bit thick, a long range speargun is needed.

The long faced emperor has a reputed flesh and is logically a very coveted prey, which has made it less frequent and more skittish. The largest specimens can generally be approached 15 minutes before sunset and a little bit after. Because of its looks reminiscent of european sea breams, European hunters are fond of it. Best to avoid freezing. A top catch in Indonesia from 2/3kg and above.