The Common Lyretail-cod, Coronation Grouper, Coronation Trout, Fairy Cod, Lunar Tail Rock Cod, Lunartailed Cod, Lunar-tailed Cod, Lunar-tailed Rock-cod, Lyre-tail Cod, Moontail Seabass, Yellowedged Lyretail, Yellow-edged Lyretail, scientifically known as Variola louti, is a captivating fish species residing in the vast expanse of the world’s oceans. This fish is distinguished by its unique appearance and fascinating lifestyle, making it a subject of interest for both scientists and enthusiasts.
Description & Characteristics
Variola louti can attain a maximum size of 83.0 cm, displaying a striking combination of colors and patterns. Its body is adorned with a vibrant yellow hue, offset by distinct black markings. The most prominent feature is the distinctive lyre-shaped tail, giving it a graceful and elegant appearance. The species is also recognized by its prominent eyes and a slightly compressed body shape.
Habitat and Occurrence
Variola louti exhibits a preference for a wide range of depths, typically found between 3.0 and 300.0 meters. This adaptability allows it to thrive in various marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and sandy bottoms. The species is commonly encountered in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
Taxonomy
The species Variola louti belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of fish commonly referred to as sea basses, groupers, and anthias.
Feeding
Variola louti is a carnivore, with a diet consisting primarily of crustaceans, fish, and krill. Its feeding habits include consuming crabs, small fish, rock shrimps, and other crustaceans. It is known to utilize its sharp teeth and strong jaws to capture prey efficiently.
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