HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesPerch-like fishSea basses: groupers and fairy bassletsPuzzling grouper Puzzling grouper (Hyporthodus perplexus) Scientific name: Hyporthodus perplexus Randall, Hoese & Last, 1991 The Puzzling grouper (Hyporthodus perplexus) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae. Native range: Northwest Pacific, known only from the holotype taken from Cape Moreton, Queensland, Australia. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameHyporthodus perplexusFamilySerranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length46.5Depth range129–137 m (423–449 ft)EnvironmentMarine; demersal; depth range 129 - 137 mClimateSubtropicalDistributionNorthwest Pacific: known only from the holotype taken from Cape Moreton, Queensland, Australia.Conservation status (IUCN)Data deficient (DD)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: of no interestResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026