| Family: |
Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| Max. size: |
91 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 10,000.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 213 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-10. Distinguished by the following characteristics: body and fins black with many large white blotches (Ref. 13608). Compressed, with a large pectoral fin; scales smooth (Ref. 26938); greatest depth of body 2.2-2.5 in SL; body width 2.2-2.9 times in depth; head length 2.5-2.8 times in SL; rounded preopercle, finely serrate, serrae at the angle slightly enlarged (Ref. 089707). |
| Biology: |
Usually on deep ledges, at depths to 210 m and on reefs, usually in caves or deep crevices (Ref. 7251). Solitary (Ref. 26340) and secretive, darts away when approached or frightened (Ref. 9710). Rarely seen in markets. Major threat to this species is fishing pressure (Ref. 089707). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 04 April 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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