27. Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch, 1790)

Tripletail (Figure 28)

Material examined: 1 ex, Mohana, Digha; 04.11.11, Reg. No. MARC /ZSI/ F3342.

Description: Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11- 12. Adults dark brown or greenish yellow above, silvery grey below; pectorals pale yellow, other fins darker than body; caudal fin with yellow margin. Rounded caudal fin that appear as single 3-lobed fin. Body deep, somewhat compressed the depth much greater than head length. Eye small, upper jaw slightly protrusible. Body colour dark brown, mottled with dark spots; juveniles yellow with darker spots. Very common in driftnet catches.

Distribution: Tropical and subtropical waters of all oceans.

Remarks: The fish is highly commercial, gamefish, ornamental. Size: 100 cm.