Lobotes
Lobotes is a genus of fish in the family Lobotidae. It contains a single species, the tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis), which is found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. This fish is notable for its unique morphology and its ability to change color to blend in with its surroundings.
Common Names
The tripletail is also known as the blackfish, high-hat, papermouth, saltwater pompano, and threetail. The name "tripletail" is derived from the three distinctive lobes of the fish's dorsal fin.
Characteristics
Tripletails are characterized by their deep, compressed bodies, large mouths, and prominent, three-lobed dorsal fins. They have a distinctive dark spot on the base of the tail fin. The fish can grow to a maximum length of around 1.5 meters and a weight of 50 kg. Juvenile tripletails are typically yellow, while adults are usually silver or brown with dark spots.
They are unique among fish for their ability to camouflage themselves by changing color to match their surroundings. They can also adopt a motionless posture, lying flat on the seabed or near floating debris, further enhancing their camouflage.
Environment
Tripletails are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters
- Estuaries
- Mangrove swamps
- Rocky reefs
- Artificial reefs
They are often found in shallow, clear waters but can also be found in depths up to 100 meters. They are typically solitary, but can form small aggregations around food sources.
Diet
Tripletails are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of prey including:
- Crustaceans
- Mollusks
- Small fish
- Plankton