Commonly mis-IDed as a Louti Grouper, the "Cherry Louti" or White-edged Lyretail Grouper is a striking and relatively less common species of reef-dwelling grouper. Here's a breakdown of what makes it unique:

It’s one of only two species in the Variola genus — the other being the more familiar lyretail grouper (Variola louti).

🌈 Appearance:

• Coloration: Pinkish to reddish body with fine speckling or patterning.

• Caudal Fin (tail): Deeply forked, with long trailing lobes — forming a distinct lyre shape.

• Edge Detail: The white margin on the tail fin lobes gives the species its name.

• Size: Can reach lengths of about 50–60 cm (~20–24 inches), sometimes larger.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution:

• Found in tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, including:

  • Red Sea

  • Maldives

  • Indonesia

  • Northern Australia

  • Western Pacific islands

• Prefers outer reef slopes and deep lagoon areas, often between 10 to 50 meters depth.

🍽️ Diet:

• Carnivorous — feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans.

• Active ambush predator, using the reef structure for cover.