Slender grouper
📖 Overview
Solitary adults inhabit coral rich areas and clear waters on lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref 90102). They feed mainly on fishes and probably on crustaceans. The distinctive blue and gold striped juveniles are mimics of the wrasse Halichoeres purpurescens or dark damsels in surge zones . This allows the species to approach their preys. Often seen in markets but not plentiful enough to be of commercial importance. Caught with hook-and-line, spear, and probably in traps . Sold in Hong Kong live fish markets . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: body and head elongate and markedly compressed, its depth distinctly less than head length, 3.1-3.7 times in standard length; body width 2.3-2.8 times in body depth; no palatine teeth; caudal fin rounded. Colour of adults greenish to brownish grey with numerous orange-red spots on head (becoming smaller anteriorly), body, dorsal fin, and basally on caudal fin;3-4 longitudinal whitish bands or series of streaks often visible on postorbital head and body; membranes of soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins clear; juveniles with longitudinal pale bluish grey stripes on a gold or yellow background; a blue-edged black spot (or double spot) at base of caudal fin and another at base of soft dorsal fin .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Slender grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 80 m , usually 5 - 50 m . Tropical; 32°N - 24°S, 32°E - 153°W south to Mozambique and east to the Phoenix Islands, north to Japan, south to Australia.
🌿 Ecology
fishes and probably on crustaceans
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Slender Rockcod · Slender grouper · White-lined Grouper · White-lined Rock-cod · White-lined Rockcod · Whiteline Group · Whitelined Cod |
| 🇫🇷French | Cheval De Bois · Loche A Lignes Blanches · Merou A Lignes Blanches · Merou Elegant |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Azukihata · アズキハタ |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Mero Elegante |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 白線光腭鱸 · 白線鮨 · 石斑 · 過魚 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anyperodon leucogammicus | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Anyperodon leucogrammiscus | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus leucogrammicus | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Serranus leucogrammicus | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Serranus micronotatus | Rüppell | 1838 | Synonym |
| Serranus urophthalmus | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 13 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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