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(Click for large pic. 19Kb)
As the above name vividly suggest, this Sea perch is deep red in colour; narrow yellow lines run obliquely upwards and backwards above the lateral line. and similar ones run lengthwise below it. The head has a broad scarlet band running from the snout through the eye, to the commencement of the dorsal fin; this alone leads to some confusion between this species and the “true” Red Emperor. There may be a purple band running lengthwise from behind the eye along to the base of the caudal fin, ending in a "saddle" over the tail base.
The Scarlet Sea perch occurs in reef waters of the Queensland coastline, but is more commonly captured on more northerly reefs. It forms mixed shoals. It is an excellent food fish and fishermen find it a powerful fighter. It attains a weight of 13.6 kg (30 lb.).
Its similarity to the Red Emperor, mentioned earlier, leads to both species being marketed under the one name: they are readily distinguished by examining the anal fin, which has 8 or 9 rays in the Scarlet Sea perch, but 10 or 11 rays in the Red Emperor.
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