| Family: |
Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| Max. size: |
55 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Philippines to Australia (Dampier Islands, off Western Australia to the Capricorn Islands, of the southern Great Barrier Reef); including Palau, New Britain, and the Solomon Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Juveniles dark brown with bright yellow dorsal, anal, pelvic and tail fins. At size about 9 cm, small scattered blue dots appear and yellow on fins begins to recede (Ref. 37816); characterized further by brown to reddish brown color, usually mottled; head, body and fins covered with numerous white to bluish spots; several pale bars evident on side; scales ctenoid scales on body including abdomen; greatest body depth 2.6-3.0 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.1 in head length (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits shallow protected coastal reefs, in seagrass beds, and in coral-rich areas (Ref. 9710, 48635). Feeds on crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 37816). Solitary (Ref 90102). Protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 089707). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 November 2017 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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