White-Edged Lyretail

Variola albimarginata

The White-edged Lyretail is a reef-associated fish found across the Indo-Pacific region, from the East African coast to Samoa, and as far north as the Ryukyu Islands in Japan and south to Queensland, Australia. This species is typically found at depths ranging from 4 to 200 meters, though most occurrences are shallower than 60 meters. The fish is characterized by its oblong body, reddish coloration, and distinctive blue spots. Its caudal fin is crescent-shaped with pale upper and lower margins, and a thin white line along its edge. This species is generally uncommon and tends to inhabit the seaward edges of reefs. Juveniles are often found inshore on algae and soft coral reefs, swimming higher in the water column. The White-edged Lyretail is primarily piscivorous, feeding on other fish. It does not form spawning aggregations, and females reach sexual maturity at a length of 32 centimeters. Divers encountering the White-edged Lyretail might find it either solitary or in small groups. While it is considered excellent for eating, its small size and rarity make it of little interest to fisheries. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern.