Marine Life

Tripletail

Kandu faana, Huifathu mas

Lobotes surinamensis

Adults of Lobotes surinamensis, when seen offshore, may appear similar to groupers, which explains why fishermen have given them the name "kandu faana" (ocean grouper). Juveniles of this species, which are sometimes seen in shallow weedy lagoons, have been referred to as "huifathu mas".

Details

§ 01

size: Common to 50 cm; max. 1 m
color: Olive to dark brown, mottled with dark spots. Juveniles yellow with darker spots.
order: Perciformes
family: Lobotidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/lobotes-surinamensis.png
habitat and biology: This species can be found in both coastal regions and the open ocean near drifting objects. Juveniles may occasionally be spotted in shallow waters, where they look like floating leaves or weeds. They mainly feed on crustaceans and small fish that live on the seabed.
distinctive characters: This species has a single dorsal fin with 11-13 spines and 13-16 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 9-12 rays, and a pectoral fin with 17 rays. Its body is oval to oblong in shape, with a depth of 2.0-2.5 inches in standard length, and the dorsal fin lobe is rounded. The preopercle is coarsely serrate, the roof of the mouth and tongue are toothless, and the caudal fin is rounded.