One-blotch grouper (Epinephelus melanostigma)

Scientific name: Epinephelus melanostigma Schultz, 1953

The One-blotch grouper (Epinephelus melanostigma) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae. Native range: Indo-West Pacific, Natal, South Africa to the central Pacific. Not known from the Red Sea nor Persian Gulf.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. A single large black blotch along middle of dorsal fin base, which can be turned off.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Epinephelus melanostigma
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 35.0
Common length: 25.0
Depth range: 0–30 m (0–98 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: Natal, South Africa to the central Pacific. Not known from the Red Sea nor Persian Gulf.
Conservation status (IUCN): Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans: Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Uses: Fisheries: subsistence fisheries
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 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