| Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| 30 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m, non-migratory |
| Eastern Pacific: northern Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Preopercle rounded, the posterior edge distinctly serrate, with a large spine (usually covered with skin) projecting downward and forward at the angle. Color in life: head and body marbled reddish brown, with obscure bars and small dark and pale spots all over the head, body and median fins. Pectoral fins with 7 or 8 irregular transverse series of small dark spots (Ref. 5222); further characterized by having body depth less than or equal to head length, depth contained 2.3-2.8 times in standard length; caudal peduncle depth 11-12% of SL; eye diameter subequal to snout length, contained 4.1-5.5 times in HL; color in market: similar to color in life but color may fade to a buff, reticulations on pectoral fins usually remain (Ref. 89707). |
| A shallow water, cryptically colored, secretive species that inhabits seagrass areas. Also found in rocky reefs in depths of 1-50 m (Ref. 89707). Sedentary during the day, hiding in crevices or lying among seaweed, and rely on their effective camouflage to escape detection. Sometimes partly covering itself with sand. Nocturnal predators feeding mainly on benthic crustaceans. |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 December 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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