Camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion)

Scientific name: Epinephelus polyphekadion Bleeker, 1849

The Camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae.

Biology

Usually found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and outer reefs; in caves and large crevices to swim through. Most abundant around islands, particularly atolls. Usually in small schools. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (portunid crabs) and fishes, sometimes on cephalopods and gastropods. In the Hong Kong live fish markets. Frequently ciguatoxic in the Marshall Is..

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Epinephelus polyphekadion
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 90.0
Common length: 90.0
Depth range: 1–46 m (3–151 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; oceanodromous; depth range 1 - 46 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and east coast of Africa to French Polynesia. In the western Pacific it ranges from southern Japan to southern Queensland and Lord Howe Island. Often confused with Epinephelus fuscoguttatus.
Conservation status (IUCN): Near Threatened (NT), IUCN Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group
Threat to humans: Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: experimental
Resilience: Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026