Squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) fish species and information / pictures of Squaretail coralgrouper - Plectropomus areolatus

Squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Plectropomus areolatus

Common Name
Squaretail coralgrouper

Biology
Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs, in areas with rich coral growth. Most frequently encountered in channels along the reef front (Ref. 9710, 48635). Often a shy fish (Ref. 48635). Feed exclusively on fishes (Ref. 37816). Misidentified as P. leopardus in Ref. 2928 (Johannes, pers. comm.). This study reports of a declining stock in Palau due to fishing. Before actual spawning around full moon, the species aggregates along channels and are responsive to baited hooks, making them vulnerable to fishermen; upward movements of some to take baited hooks presumably mistaken for courtship or spawning behavior. Large individuals may be ciguatoxic in certain areas (Ref. 37816). In the Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253).

Classification

Classified By
R?ppell, 1830
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets (Serranidae)

Distribution

Region
Indo-Pacific
Distribution
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to the Phoenix Islands and Samoa, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Australia.
Range
31°N - 25°S, 32°E - 169°W

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
1 m
Depth To - meters
20 m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 20 m (Ref. 9710)
Trophic Level
4.5 s.e. 0.80 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
True
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
73.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5078 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Vulnerability
High vulnerability (56 of 100)
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)
Threat To Humans
  Reports of ciguatera poisoning (Ref. 4690)
IUCN Red List Status
  Vulnerable (VU) (A4d)