Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus)

The Coral Trout or Plectropomus leopardus is part of the family known as Serranidae. This family is characterized by having three spines on their gill covers and large mouths that have more than one row of teeth. Both Groupers and Cods are part of this family as well.

Also known as the Leopard Coral Grouper, Strawberry Trout and the Leopard Coral Trout these fish are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans normally around reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef. These saltwater fish come in a variety of colors including red, green, brown, pink and orange. They can be identified by the numerous blue spots on their bodies and the blue rings that surround their eyes. When it comes to reproduction the Coral Trout is quite strange. If you can believe it, these fish will actually change sexes over the course of their lives. They start their lives as females and as they become larger, normally around 40cm, they turn into males. They also have a rather elaborate mating ritual in which the male will flip sideways shaking his head from side to side trying to entice the female into courtship.

Coral Trout will often feed on small fish like Damselfish at dusk or in the early mornings. Like the Pike and Muskie, these fish are ambush predators that lie in wait for an unsuspecting fish to swim by. They strike with lighting quickness and are even said to have the ability to change the color of their skin when feeding. They can grow to about 70cm (2') and weigh 6kg (13lbs). You can learn more about the Coral Trout including how to fillet them in the video below...

If you have any additional information about the Coral Trout please leave us a comment.