Grass emperor

Grass emperor (also known as tricky or tricky snapper) are a popular reef fish for anglers in the Top End.

They are good eating and can grow to 60cm, weigh over 5kg and live for up to 12 years.

These fish are common across northern Australia and have a distinguished neon blue markings near its eye area.

Scientific name

Lethrinus laticaudis.

Lifecyle

Juvenile grass emperor are usually found in seagrass beds and mangrove estuaries.

When they start to reach sexual maturity at around 3 to 4 years of age, they:

• migrate into deeper waters (up to 80m)
• can be found around coral reefs.

How to fish

Grass emperor can be caught by using baited hooks or jigs.

They are highly prone to barotrauma in depths greater than 10m and should not be targeted for catch and release.

Read more about barotrauma.