Dispatch Method:

Beware of the sharp preopercular edges when handling coronation trout. To maximise their eating qualities these fish should be killed humanely by iki jime, or a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding.

Fish Description:

• These pretty fish are identified by the bright yellow margin on the lunate tail. They differ in this repect from the very closely related species the white-edge Coronation Trout (V. albimarginata) which has a narrow white margin on the tail.
  
• The body of adult fish is usually reddish with numerous small bluish to pinkish spots on the head, body and fins. Juveniles resemble goatfishes.

Fish Distribution:

• This species occurs around coral reefs throughout the Indo-West Pacific region including East Africa from the Red Sea to South Africa, the Indian Ocean and as far east as the Pitcairn Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to New South Wales, Australia.
  
• These fish are usually found near coral outcrops in depths ranging between 3 and 30 meters, but can also be found offshore at depths of up to 300 meters.
  
• Coronation trout feeds mainly on smaller fishes, and crustaceans including crabs, shrimps and stomatopods.
  
• In some parts of its range this species has been implicated in cases of ciguatera poisoning.

Fish Size Common Length:

40-60 cm, maximum size 85 cm and 12 kg.