Pacific tripletail
📖 Overview
Pacific tripletail (Lobotes pacifica) is a ray-finned fish of the family Lobotidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 100 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 50 metres. With a trophic level of 4.1, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, valued as a sport fish.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Body deep and moderately compressed, the depth much greater than head length; eyes small; upper jaw scarcely protractile; vomer, palate and tongue toothless; nostrils round and close together; preopercle distinctly serrated; lower branch of first gill arch with 15 gill rakers; in large individuals, the dorsal and anal fins, along with the caudal fin, appear like 3 caudal fins; body olive colored, speckled with dark spots; juveniles yellowish with dark spots .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific tripletail is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 50 m . Tropical; 34°N - 9°S, 119°W - 77°W south to Chimbote, Peru.
🌿 Ecology
benthic crustaceans and small fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Lobotes Pacifica is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 181 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pacific tripletail has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
👥 Community & Contribute
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