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Leopard coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) — Serranidae

Leopard coral trout

Plectropomus leopardus
Family: Serranidae

The Leopard coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 120 cm.

Length
120 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–100.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The leopard coral trout is a large coral grouper (Epinephelidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has an elongate, orange-red to brown body densely scattered with small blue spots. As a bottom-oriented top predator it hunts fish around coral reefs. It is a highly valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans, though large individuals may carry ciguatoxin in some regions.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Leopard coral trout?

The Leopard coral trout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Leopard coral trout live?

The Leopard coral trout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Leopard coral trout get?

The Leopard coral trout grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Leopard coral trout dangerous to humans?

No, the Leopard coral trout is harmless to humans.

Is the Leopard coral trout edible?

Yes, the Leopard coral trout is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Luipaard-koraalbaars sourced
English name
Leopard coral trout sourced
Scientific name
Plectropomus leopardus
Family
Serranidae
Other names
Bluedotted coraltrout; Blue-dotted coral-trout; Blue-spot trout; Blue-spotted sea bass; Common coral trout verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
120.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
26.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Plectropomus

More from the family Serranidae

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