Epinephelus maculatus

(Bloch, 1790)

Vernacular names
English : Highfin grouper
French : Mérou haute-voile

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Perciformes
Family : Serranidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach 60 cm in length. Straight face profile. Coloration is globally dark olive-brown with spots (black center and clearer halo) all over body and fins. Large black and white markings on back, yellow dorsal fin edge.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the western Pacific Ocean, from Cocos Keeling Islands to Samoa, north to south Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Lives in coastal and offshore coral and rocky reefs, sandy reef base, to 100 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species common in parts of its range. It is a minor component of local fisheries but this needs to be monitored, especially around Hong Kong.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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