| Family: |
Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| Max. size: |
150 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 50 kg |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 50 - 300 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Natal coast of South Africa, northern Mozambique, Reunion, Mauritius, New Caledonia, Philippines, New Guinea, New Ireland, and Fiji. Recently recorded from Tonga (Ref. 53797). Unknown in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. |
| 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: pale brown body color with small dark brown to greyish green spots unevenly scattered on the dorsolateral parts of the head and body, dorsal and caudal fin; one row of close-set spots running posteriorly from the eye in a distinct line; absence of spots on the body below the level of the pectoral fins or on the anal and paired fins; body depth contained 2.7-3.2 times in SL; head length 2.2-2.4 times in SL; flat to convex interorbital area, dorsal head profile almost straight; angular preopercle, 2-4 distinctly enlarged serrae at angle; slightly convex upper edge of operculum; posterior nostril not much larger than anterior nostril; maxilla reaches below rear half of eye, ventral edge with low step at the distal expansion; 2 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw, inner teeth larger than outer teeth (Ref. 89707). |
| Biology: |
Known only in deep water in the vicinity of coral reefs. Biology unknown. It is an excellent food fish. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 November 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
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