Highfin grouper (Epinephelus maculatus)

Scientific name: Epinephelus maculatus Bloch, 1790

The Highfin grouper (Epinephelus maculatus) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae. Native range: Pacific Ocean, Cocos-Keeling Islands to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to southeastern Australia and Lord Howe Island.

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. May be ciguatoxic in certain areas.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Epinephelus maculatus
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 60.5
Depth range: 2–100 m (7–328 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 100 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Islands to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to southeastern Australia and Lord Howe Island.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.28)