Tiger Trout
Plectropomus laevis
- Look for two distinct color phases: one has bold black saddle markings on a whitish body with a yellow tail and yellow fins (the 'footballer' phase), while the other is greyish with a dark head, five dark saddle markings along the back, and small blue spots.
- The tail fin is squared off (truncate), not forked or rounded. A useful shape clue when the fish is in hand.
- The dorsal fin has 7–8 sharp spines followed by 10–12 soft rays, with the soft-rayed back portion being noticeably longer-based than the spiny front portion.
- The bottom edge of the gill cover (preopercle) has three large spines pointing downward. Run a careful finger along the edge to feel them.