Variola louti (Forsskål, 1775)
Yellow-edged lyretail
Variola louti
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets), subfamily: Epinephelinae
 Max. size:  83 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 12 kg
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 3 - 300 m, non-migratory
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to South Africa and the Pitcairn Islands, north to southern Japan, south to New South Wales, Australia. Not found in the Persian Gulf nor in Hawaii.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Juveniles conspicuous by the white line over the snout (Ref. 48635). Further characterized by yellowish brown to orange red color with numerous red, pink and lavander small spots and short dashes; pectoral, dorsal, anal and caudal fins with yellow posterior margin; front of jaws with pair of large canines; 1-2 large curved canineson side of lower jaw; elongate body, greatest depth 2.8-3.2 in SL; lunate caudal fin (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  Usually seen in clear-water areas at depths below 15 m, and prefers islands and offshore reefs rather than continental shores. Feeds mainly on fishes, and on crabs, shrimps and stomatopods. It is highly appreciated for the quality of its flesh. It may not be sold in Mauritius because of cases of ciguatera poisoning (Ref. 11888). In the Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402) , IUCN Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group
 Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Binohlan, Crispina B. - 30.03.92
 Modified by: Froese, Rainer - 10.10.14
 Checked by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 03.05.94

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