There are 4 species of coral trout found commonly on the Great Barrier Reef with the most obvious difference between species being the size and shape of the spots.

How do you identify coral trout?

Coral Trout are often confused with other species but can be identified by the round spots always found around the body and the head. The colour of the fish can range from orange, red orange right through to a bright red. Coral Trout can grow to over 1m and weigh as much as 20kg.

How do you identify blue spot coral trout?

Identification. Two colour phases are known. The first is white with dark brown bars and yellow fins. The second is red-brown with small blue spots on the head, body and fins.

Why are coral trout different Colours?

There can be considerable variation in the colour of coral trout, depending on the water depth they live at – generally the deeper water fish will be lighter than the shallow water ones.

Is Coral Trout good to eat?

Coral trouts are among the most sought-after reef fishes for their impressive appearance and fine eating qualities. Their delicate flavour and fine, white flakes appeal to most. Bake, steam, poach or grill, but avoid handling them too much as their delicate flakes can be easily damaged.

What sort of fish is coral trout?

The leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus), also known as the common coral trout, leopard coral trout, blue-dotted coral grouper or spotted coral grouper, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias …

Is coral trout a cod?

Coral trout belong to the Cod and Grouper Family known scientifically as Serranidae.

What depth should coral trout be?

CORAL TROUT FACTS Coral trout are typically found inhabiting reefs in waters less than 20m, although they can inhabit waters up to 100m deep.

Can you eat big coral trout?

Don’t eat too many/much big trout, big spanish, big coronation trout etc in a small period of time as your body will build up the ciguatera toxin and you could all of a sudden have an outbreak.

What is the best tasting fish in the world?

Best Tasting Salt Water Fishes

  • Halibut. Halibut is firm and meaty, but also very lean and flaky.
  • Cod. Swordfish not your style because you’re a chicken lover?
  • Salmon. Ah salmon, this list wouldn’t be complete without it.
  • Red Snapper. Red snapper offers a mild and slightly sweet tasting meat.
  • Mahi Mahi.
  • Grouper.

Why is coral trout expensive?

In places such as China, Singapore and Taiwan, the species is traded as a luxury product, and those with a strong red colour fetch a particularly high price, such as 20,000 Japanese yen (around £142) a kilogram. The FRA succeeded in the complete farming of coral trout this autumn.