Yellow-edged Lyretail

Variola louti

Yellow-edged Lyretail is a colorful coral-reef grouper of the Indo-Pacific, usually seen alone or in small groups around steep reef slopes and drop-offs. It is prized in some fisheries but can carry ciguatera risk in larger reef fish.

Saltwater

Yellow-edged Lyretail reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Yellow to orange body with distinct yellow-edged fins
Lyre-shaped, deeply forked caudal fin with elongated upper and lower lobes
Typically a reddish to rosy reef grouper with pale spots or fine markings on the body

Habitat

Coral and rocky reefs, especially outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and lagoon passages; adults commonly hold near ledges and caves from shallow water to well offshore reef edges.

Bait notes

Best on small live fish, squid strips, and cut reef fish baits; also takes fresh fillets presented near bottom. Small jigging lures and reef minnows can work when fish are active.

Behavior

A predatory reef fish that ambushes small fish and crustaceans, often cruising the bottom and midwater along reef structure. It is wary and can be more active around dusk and dawn.

Caution

Larger reef specimens may cause ciguatera poisoning; avoid eating big individuals from known tropical reef areas. Strongly avoid handling near gill covers and use care around sharp dorsal spines.

Fishing notes

Fish tight to reef edges, bommies, and drop-offs with heavy tackle to keep it out of structure. Slow bottom presentations, short hops, and live-bait free-lining near current seams are effective.