Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States. It is found at depths of 0–70 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States runs all year.
Scientific name: Lobotes surinamensis · Water: Saltwater, Brackish · Season: All year
Size: up to 110 cm
The tripletail is a lobotid; adults live in bays, muddy estuaries and the lower reaches of large rivers, and occasionally drift over reefs. It has a signature habit: it is sluggish, and often floats on its side near the surface in the company of floating objects. The juveniles are better still - they shelter among drifting Sargassum and mimic a floating leaf, which is where the Chinese name comes from. It feeds on bottom crustaceans and small fishes. Commonly about 80 cm and up to 110 cm total length. In season all year, a top-priced fish and sold fresh, frozen or salted.
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