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Epinephelus erythrurus (Valenciennes, 1828) Cloudy grouper |
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photo by
Steene, R. |
| Family: | Epinephelidae (Groupers) | |||
| Max. size: | 45 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-West Pacific: Pakistan, India including Laccadive (Lakshadweep) Islands, Sri Lanka, and through the larger islands of the East Indies and the Gulf of Thailand. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Description: Characterized by dark grey color with irregular pale spots and blotches randomly joined to forming a maze-like pattern; body scales ctenoid except cycloid anterodorsally above lateral line and on thorax and abdomen; body with numerous auxiliary scales; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL; rounded caudal fin; short pelvic fins, 2.2-2.5 in head length (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits areas with muddy or silty-sand bottoms. Commonly trawled (Ref. 48635). Nothing has been published on its biology. A 16.3 cm SL fish was found to have ripe ova. Solitary, also found in turbid harbours and estuaries (Ref 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 November 2016 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||