Leopard coral trout

Plectropomus leopardus is a medium to large predatory reef fish (family Epinephelidae) found throughout the western Pacific, from southern Japan through Southeast Asia to Australia, where it is the primary target species on the Great Barrier Reef. Adults reach 50–70 cm (up to 120 cm) and are instantly recognizable by their vivid coloration: a bright red to orange-red body densely covered with small, blue-ringed spots. The body is elongated and streamlined compared to most groupers, with a pointed head and large canine teeth adapted for catching mobile prey. It inhabits coral reef habitats—reef fronts, channels, and slopes—from shallow waters to about 100 m. P. leopardus is a highly active piscivore, primarily hunting small reef fishes through pursuit predation rather than ambush. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite, changing sex from female to male typically at 5–8 years. Spawning occurs in aggregations on reef promontories during spring. This species supports one of the most valuable commercial and recreational fisheries in Australia and the Indo-Pacific live reef fish trade, particularly for the Hong Kong restaurant market. It has been intensively studied for fisheries management, reef ecology, and climate change impacts (coral bleaching effects on prey availability). Genomic resources are growing for aquaculture development.