Lyretail Grouper

The yellow-edged lyretail (Variola louti) is a species of marine grouper belonging to the subfamily Epinephelinae in the family Serranidae. It is commonly known by various names such as yellowedge coronation trout, fairy cod, lunar tail rock cod, lunartailed cod, lyre-tail cod, or moontail seabass. This fish species is found in the Indo-Pacific region and is more prevalent than its close relative, the white-edged lyretail.

The yellow-edged lyretail has an oblong-shaped body, with the length of its head being longer than the depth of its body. The standard length of its body is typically 2.8 to 3.3 times its depth. Its preopercle, or gill cover, is rounded with fine serrations along its edge, and the lower edge is fleshy. There are three flat spines on the gill cover, which has a straight upper edge. The dorsal fin consists of 9 spines and 13–14 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 soft rays. The caudal fin is crescent-shaped, with its upper and lower lobes extended and measuring approximately twice the length of the fin's middle rays. The overall color of the yellow-edged lyretail is reddish, adorned with blue spots. The dorsal and anal fins have pointed posterior tips. The upper body is reddish, often shading to orangish or white on the lower body. The head, body, and fins are marked with numerous small bluish or pinkish spots. The rear margins of the fins are yellow. Juveniles of this species mimic goatfishes from the Mullidae family. The yellow-edged lyretail can reach a maximum recorded total length of 83 centimeters (33 inches), although a more common length is 75 centimeters (30 inches). It can also weigh up to 12 kilograms (26 pounds).

The yellow-edged lyretail is predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa (Durban, 🇿🇦 South Africa, to the 🌊 Red Sea) through the tropical 🌊 Indian Ocean and into the 🌊 Pacific Ocean. Its distribution extends as far north as southern 🇯🇵 Japan, as far south as 🇦🇺 Australia, and as far east as the Pitcairn Islands. In 🇦🇺 Australia, it can be found from Shark Bay in Western Australia to Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea and from Cape York in Queensland to Sydney in New South Wales. It is also present at various locations in the Coral Sea, the Tasman Sea, and recently, it has been recorded twice (2018, 2019) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea off Cyprus, possibly due to aquarium release or introduction from the 🌊 Red Sea through the Suez Canal (🇪🇬 Egypt).

The yellow-edged lyretail is typically observed in clear-water areas at depths greater than 15 meters (49 feet) but less than 350 meters (1,150 feet). It displays a preference for islands and offshore reefs over continental shores. Its diet consists mainly of fish, although it also consumes crabs, shrimps, and stomatopods. Females reach sexual maturity when they have a standard length of 33 centimeters (13 inches). Spawning aggregations of this species have been observed off Aceh in Sumatra (🇮🇩 Indonesia), although it has not been definitively confirmed as a protogynous hermaphrodite. Spawning typically occurs between December and February.

The yellow-edged lyretail is highly regarded as a food fish. However, there have been reports of Ciguatera fish poisoning associated with its consumption, leading to a ban on its sale in 🇲🇺 Mauritius. The risk of poisoning has resulted in limited fishing and sale of this species in 🇯🇵 Japan and some Southeast Asian countries. It is also sought after in the aquarium and live food fish trades.