Coral trout (small-spotted coral trout)
Plectropomus leopardus

Officers of  DPI Fisheries

This is a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Tidal waters for the current regulations.

Description

Coral trout are often red or orange in colour, but they can also be black, through to brown-green, tan and pink. All individuals have a profusion of small blue dots covering their entire upper body. Adult coral trout usually grow to between 35 and 80cm and about 0.8-9.0kg, however they have been known to grow up to 120cm and 28kg. These fish are sexually mature at around 4 years of age (approx. 34cm) and an interesting fact is that they first mature as females then change to males later in life (from around 4 years of age). Coral trout are home-ranging, moderately sedentary fish that associate with specific areas of reef slope for several months. They feed during the day and exhibit different strategies of feeding depending on the time of day. At dusk they use an 'ambush' strategy, whereas at dawn they 'prowl'. Juveniles feed on crustaceans living amongst the corals, while adults feed on reef fish including damselfish, fusiliers and hardyheads.

Habitat/distribution

Coral trout are only found in marine waters, preferring reef habitats. They can be found along the entire Queensland coast, generally on mid-shelf reefs. Coral trout are most common at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. They are most abundant in the Swain Reefs and Capricorn-Bunker Reefs. In Western Australia they are present from Dongara to the Monte Bello Islands and Dampier Archipeligo. Coral trout can also be found in the Northern Territory and in Western Australia. Coral trout are also widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific from southern Japan to West Africa, and east to the Solomon Islands and Tahiti.

Further information

Department of Primary Industries. (2002). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.

Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.

Note: Some information in this publication may change from time to time (especially size and in-possession limits). You should contact your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the DPI&F Call Centre (13 25 23) for latest fisheries regulations and information.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI&F's PrimeNotes CD-ROM.

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.

File No: f0046
Last reviewed December 2003