Epinephelus heniochus Fowler, 1904
Bridled grouper
Epinephelus heniochus
photo by CSIRO

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 40 - 235 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: the Philippines to the Arafura Sea (Ref. 9819) and northern Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: body depth contained 2.7-3.2 times in SL; HL 2.2-2.4 times in SL; slightly convex interorbital area, distinctly convex dorsal head profile; preopercle angular, with 2-4 large spines at the angle; upper edge of operculum approximately straight; posterior nostril about twice as large as anterior nostril; maxilla usually reaches to or slightly past a vertical at rear edge of eye; step-like extension on lower edge of maxilla in adults; well developed canines at from of jaws, especially in upper jaw; 2 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw; pyloric caeca 7 or 8 (Ref. 89707).
Biology:  The species seems to prefer soft (sedimentary) bottom, rather than rocky areas; most specimens have been taken on mud or silty sand bottoms. Nothing has been published on the biology of this species.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 November 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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