Spangled Emperor

The Spangled Emperor is one of the most important food and sport fish in the UAE. Recognisable by the blue-edged scales that create a spangled appearance. A strong fighter on the line and highly sought after by anglers fishing both the Gulf and Gulf of Oman coasts.

Species Stats

Diet

Crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, small fish

Habitat

Seagrass beds, sandy and rocky reefs, inshore and offshore

Local Name (Arabic)

شعري نقطي / فريدة

Fun Facts

• 1

  Can change colour rapidly — paling or darkening to communicate or camouflage.

• 2

  The teeth are fused into a beak-like structure perfect for crushing mollusc shells.

• 3

  Commonly called "Farida" in UAE fish markets — one of the highest-priced emperor fish.

Found In