These are with out doubt a beautiful fish. The vermiculated trout is an extremely cagey fish, (my experience) whenever i have spotted them they almost always make a dash for some cave that runs deep into the reef making it impossible to get a shot. Plus when i think i have had the chance to shoot them, they almost always stay just out of shooting range. But like anything persistence will eventually give results.

I have found that when chasing these fish if i kept direct eye contact to a minimum plus made slow non-aggressive movements that i could close the distance to the fish to allow a shot.

Max length : 75.0 cm

Inhabits drop-offs and steep channel slopes. Very little has been published on its biology. Reported to forage in groups of two or three for rock- and sand living crustaceans and fishes. Rare in most areas.

Spearfishing Record

Vermiculated Trout Plectropomus oligacanthus Junior: - Womens: - QLD: 4.080kg Australian: 4.080kg

Here is a Map of the Distribution of  the species