Plectropomus areolatus

P. areolatus is a very beautiful little coral trout.

It is recognizable by its stocky shape and large saddle like mottling on the back. The mouth is yellow and the fins are dark.

Considered rare and vulnerable, it is however frequent in Maluku, typically in the Banda Islands. It usually plays hide and seek with you in the reef.

It is hunted best by directly dining onto it or stalking in the coral reef and in areas rarely fished it will often end up turning if you follow it. It likes moving from one coral shelter to the other. It requires a long range speargun but not too bulky to be able to aim in the structure, and clearly not a slip-tip because this fish is often near the coral heads. Wait until the fish is halting in front of a sandy bottom before pulling the trigger.

P. areolatus is, like all its congeners, delicious to eat grilled or raw. Despite its apparent nonchalance, it’s not an easy catch. Above 2 kg, I take.