Divers and snorkelers commonly see Variola louti along the reef slope, which appears mainly violet in color, with some individuals having a stunning deep purple hue.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 81 cm
color
The fish has a yellowish-brown to orange-red coloration. Its head, body, and median fins are adorned with numerous small, irregular spots or streaks of pale blue, lavender, or pink. The rear margins of its median fins are broadly yellow. Juvenile specimens of this species have an irregular black stripe on the upper side of their head and body.
This species is typically found on coral reefs in depths ranging from 3 to 240 meters, usually seen alone in clear water areas that are deeper than 15 meters. Its diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 9 spines and 13-15 rays, and an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays. Its pectoral fin has 16-19 rays, and it has 15-18 lower gill rakers. Its body is oblong and has a depth of 2.8-3.3 inches in standard length. The anterior interspinous membranes of its dorsal fin are slightly incised, and its mid-lateral body scales are ctenoid, without auxiliary scales. The pelvic fins of adult specimens reach past the anus, and the caudal fin of adults is very lunate.