Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Scientific name Variola louti Higher classification Variola | |
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Similar Variola, Coral hind, Cephalopholis, Plectropomus, Cephalopholis argus | ||
The yellow-edged lyretail (Variola louti) is a species of grouper, also known as the lyretail grouper or the caramel cod.
Contents
Range
The yellow-edged lyretail is found from the Red Sea to South Africa and the Pitcairn Islands, as far as southern Japan and Australia.
Description
This fish reaches up to 81cm in length and 12kg in weight. It is distinguished by its lunate tail with a yellow-edged margin. As juveniles they resemble the goatfishes Parupeneus forsskali or Parupeneus macronema and may shadow them as they feed.
Diet
Its diet is mainly of fishes, but also eats crabs, shrimps and stomatopods.
Habitat
Lagoons, channels and seaward reefs, from 3m to 250m in depth.
Hazards
There have been reports of ciguatera poisoning, and this has led to the fish being banned from sale in Mauritius.
Utilization
Fishery: Small Trading ; Game : Angling; Aquarium: Trade
