Fin's Fish Guide
The Yellow-edged lyretail (Variola louti) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 83 cm.
Description
The yellow-edged lyretail is a large grouper from the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to South Africa and the Pitcairn Islands. The species grows to about 83 cm and has a reddish body with blue spots and conspicuous yellow margins on the crescent-shaped tail and fins. As a reef predator it hunts fish, crabs, shrimps and mantis shrimps. The fish is widely eaten, but there are reports of ciguatera poisoning, especially in large specimens. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yellow-edged lyretail?
The Yellow-edged lyretail has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Reddish body with blue spots and yellow fin margins; ciguatera risk
Where does the Yellow-edged lyretail live?
The Yellow-edged lyretail lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Yellow-edged lyretail get?
The Yellow-edged lyretail grows to a maximum of about 83 cm. On average the species is around 75 cm.
Is the Yellow-edged lyretail dangerous to humans?
The Yellow-edged lyretail is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat large specimens: there is a risk of ciguatera poisoning (nausea, tingling, reversal of hot/cold sensation). If symptoms follow consumption, seek medical help.
Is the Yellow-edged lyretail edible?
The Yellow-edged lyretail is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Variola
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Yellow-edged lyretail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellow-edged lyretail is one of 12,519 species in the app.