The tripletail ranges from Massachusetts to Argentina, including both the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Tripletail are also found in the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Guinea and the Eastern Pacific from Costa Rica to Peru and from Japan as well. Despite this extensive range the tripletail isn't really abundant anywhere.
Tripletail reach a max size of 40 pounds although the average size is much smaller. Tripletail, as the name implies, have a body that appears to have three tails. This is actually just the anal and dorsal fins.
Tripletail are a strange fish. They have the general appearance of a large crappie in body shape, yet have the coloration of a google-eye(warmouth) or a rockbass. They float on their side lounging around like a piece of sargasmo weed or any trash just waiting for some small fish to come along. Once the small fish, shrimp or crab come close enough the tripletail strikes quickly.
Tripletail also go by the name of black fish in some areas. If you happen to catch one you should take precautions when handling one. They have teeth and all of their fins are capable of inflicting serious stab wounds. Its not even safe to grab them by the gills due to the fact that their gill flap is sharp as a knife. It is best to net them with a landing net and deposit them straight into an icechest.