| Family: |
Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| Max. size: |
51 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,000.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 44 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Kenya south to Natal, South Africa and east to the central Pacific. Unknown from the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Hawaii. Recorded from Europa Island (MNHN 1992-0498, Ref. 33390). Often confused with Epinephelus quoyanus, Epinephelus faveatus, Epinephelus corallicola, and Epinephelus howlandi. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Head profile angular; body less compressed and spots more closely spaced than E. corallicola and E. howlandi (Ref. 37816). Body and median fins with large dark blotches, largest towards the tail (Ref. 48635); further characterized by pale greyish color; head, body and fins with well-spaced dark brown to orange brown spots of unequal size; soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins with narrow white to yellow margin; lower part of head and breast with white blotches; 3-4 black blotches along back; body scales cycloid except ctenoid on lower region below pectoral fins; body with numerous auxiliary scales; greatest depth of body 2.9-3.6 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.4 in head length (Ref. 90102); head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; flat or slightly concave interorbital area, dorsal head profile of adults with ventral bend at orbits; rounded preopercle, minute serrae mostly covered by skin and shallow indentation just above the angle; straight or slightly convex upper edge of operculum posterior nostril distinctly larger than anterior nostril; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of orbit, ventral edge smoothly curved at distal expansion; strongly projecting lower jaw, 2-4 rows of teeth at midlateral part (Ref. 89707). |
| Biology: |
Found in lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710) to a depth of at least 44 m; including outer reef slopes. More abundant on oceanic reefs and rare on coastal reefs (Ref. 89707). Feeds on crustaceans (mainly crabs), fishes, octopi, and squid. Solitary (Ref 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 November 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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