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Highfin grouper (Epinephelus maculatus) fish species and information / pictures of Highfin grouper - Epinephelus maculatus

Highfin grouper (Epinephelus maculatus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Epinephelus maculatus

Common Name
Highfin grouper

Biology
Juveniles are found in shallow coral rubble, adults in isolated coral heads of lagoon and seaward reefs to depths of 82 m. Feeds mainly on sand-dwelling fishes and crustaceans, sometimes on octopuses. In the Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253). May be ciguatoxic in certain areas (Ref. 37816).

Classification

Classified By

Bloch, 1790

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets (Serranidae)

Distribution

Region

Pacific Ocean

Distribution

Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Islands to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to southeastern Australia and Lord Howe Island (Ref. 37816).

Range

29°N - 34°S, 96°E - 170°W

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

2 m

Depth To - meters

100 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 100 m (Ref. 37816)

Trophic Level

3.86 s.e. 0.65 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

60.5 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

Moderate vulnerability (37 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.28)

Threat To Humans

Reports of ciguatera poisoning

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)