Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific tripletail (Lobotes pacificus) is a fish of the family Lobotidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The Pacific tripletail is a fish of the tripletail family (Lobotidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 1 metre and has a deep, dark body in which the rounded dorsal and anal fins together with the tail fin appear to form a 'triple tail', to which the name refers. Young fish mimic floating leaves and often hang obliquely near floating material. As a predator it catches fishes and crustaceans. It is a valued sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific tripletail?
The Pacific tripletail is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. The dorsal, anal and caudal fin look like a 'triple tail'; juveniles mimic floating leaves.
Where does the Pacific tripletail live?
The Pacific tripletail is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and open sea near floating objects.
How big does the Pacific tripletail get?
The Pacific tripletail grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Pacific tripletail dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific tripletail is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pacific tripletail edible?
Yes, the Pacific tripletail is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lobotes
More from the family Lobotidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific tripletail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific tripletail is one of 12,519 species in the app.