Yellowlip emperor (Lethrinus xanthochilus) is a saltwater species recorded in Taiwan, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–150 m. The main season in Taiwan, Malaysia runs all year.
Scientific name: Lethrinus xanthochilus · Water: Saltwater · Season: All year
Size: up to 70 cm
The yellowlip emperor is a lethrinid that occurs in small groups over seagrass beds, over the sand and rubble of coral reefs, in deep channels and in lagoons. It is usually found in shallow water but reaches 150 m, and juveniles stay in seagrass beds. It is mostly seen alone but sometimes swims in small groups, and feeds mainly on crustaceans, fishes and echinoderms. It is caught mostly with handline, traps and trawl. In season all year, it reaches about 70 cm fork length, commonly 59 cm standard length, and up to about 5.4 kg. It supports commercial fisheries and is a game fish, selling in the highest price band, with a trophic level of 3.8, high fishing vulnerability at 57 of 100, very high climate vulnerability at 76, and low resilience.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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