Longface emperor
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Distributed across the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea. In Japan, found from Kagoshima southwards. Inhabits coral reefs in coastal areas and rocky shores. Reaches 1 meter in length. Its elliptical body has slightly compressed sides and a protruding snout. Its body is blue-green but inside of its mouth is bright red. They are fished with bottom longline fishing nets or single line fishing. This species is the largest of the emperor fish (Lethrinidae). They are delicious as various dishes such as nitsuke (simmered fish), sashimi, nabe (stew) and fried fish. They are called umunaga in the Okinawan dialect meaning long face.