08/31/2026
Did you know the IGFA's online Game Fish Database is home to more than 200 species ID guides and profiles? Learn about features, range, similar species, and records for game fish from around the world.
This week we're spotlighting the tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis), also known as the also called buoy fish, buoy bass, blackfish, chobie, triplefin, flasher, lumpfish, snagdrifter, croupia roche, matsudai, dormilona, black perch, jumping cod , tripletail live in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide.
They are deep bodied perch like fish with rounded dorsal and a**l fins extending almost to the tail. At first glance they appear to have three tails, hence the most commonly used name, tripletail. Their color varies widely, from shades of yellow brown, to dark brown or black with ill defined spots and mottling.
They are most often found floating on or near the surface, hanging very near buoys (hence buoy fish or buoy bass), pier pilings or floating debris, or drifting along with currents imitating other buoyant objects. They can also be found lurking around bottom structure such as wrecks.
They may look like a lazy, slow fish floating at the surface, but they can move quickly when they strike, and can exhibit surprisingly powerful lunges and occasional jumps when hooked.
The current IGFA All Tackle Record for tripletail stands at 42 lbs 5oz ( 19.2 kg).
Explore this species and 200+ more at igfa.org/game-fish-database.
