Spangled emperor Fishing

The most widespread table-quality bottom fish of the Red Sea sand-to-reef transitions and the number one target of the day boats at Hurghada, Safaga and Marsa Alam (local name 'sha'our'). Look for sand corridors along the reef edge, where they forage. Fish a single-hook running-lead rig in 15-40 m with fresh cuttlefish, shrimp or sardine chunk. Lift immediately on the take, or the fish goes under the coral and cuts the leader. Note: this species does not occur in the Mediterranean.

Lethrinus nebulosus

Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus)
Photo: Bruce Deagle · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
January–December
Water temperature
22–31 °C
Spawning
March–May
Behaviour
Daytime bottom forager

Techniques

  • Bottom rig
  • light jigging
  • boat bottom fishing

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch spangled emperor?
The productive window for spangled emperor runs January–December. March–May is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does spangled emperor feed in?
Spangled emperor is most active between 22 and 31 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for spangled emperor?
Common methods: Bottom rig, light jigging, boat bottom fishing.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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