Hyporthodus exsul (Fowler, 1944)
Tenspine grouper
Hyporthodus exsul
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  125 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 55 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Gulf of California to Panama.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: adults dark brown without distinct markings; juveniles dark brown with several white spots and occasionally paler caudal fin; depth of body contained 2.3 times in SL; head length 2.2-2.3 times in SL; convex interorbital area; angular preopercle, enlarged serrae at angle and with or without few small serrae on lower edge; smooth interopercle and subopercle; posterior nostrils larger than anterior nostrils and shaped like an inverted tear drop; maxilla reaches vertical at rear edge of eye (Ref. 89707).
Biology:  One juvenile examined came from a depth of 55 m. Reef-associated inhabiting depths of at least 55 m (Ref. 89707). Apparently too rare to be of commercial interest.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 February 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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