Fish ID

[ReefHugger]

Saw some fishermen in Jamaica with a couple of these. Can anyone ID this fish for me? Grouper family??

Was told that they are normally off shore, and very frequently found under rafts of floating weeds or debris. The fish in the picture was about a 2 pounder, but was also told, that they can grow much larger, often exceeding 10 lbs.

 

[ryan115]

Triple Tail
Lobotes surinamensis

 

[DennisW]

Yep. Triple Tail

 

[ReefHugger]

Thanks Ryan and Dennis - you nailed it.

The fishermen actually called it African Perch, which is not far out when I read up 'Performes'.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Very tasty, by the way
Rick

 

[Wookie]

Some of the best eatin' there is. Look for them in the ocean hiding under a sheet of plywood. We pulled a refrigerator shot full of holes out of the water one day. Had 3 or 4 tripletail in it. Yummy.

Frank

PS. By the time we got that fridge back to shore, the smell was enough to gag a maggot. If you ever get the opportunity not to rescue a floating refrigerator, I highly suggest it.