Pacific graysby
📖 Overview
Found in coral reefs; also along rocky shores . A shy and secretive species . Feeds on fishes and crustaceans; reaches at least 25 years; recently confirmed as a protogynous hermaphrodite, spawning peaks in July and August in the Gulf of California .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: body depth 2.7-2.9 in SL; head length 2.3-2.5 in SL; rounded preopercle, finely serrate; posterior and anterior nostril subequal; third dorsal spine, longest, membranes incised between anterior spines; pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins, pectoral fin length 1.5-1.7 in head length; caudal fin rounded; lateral body scales strongly ctenoid; lateral line scales 48-49; lateral scale series 80-83 : fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific graysby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range ? - 80 m , usually 30 - ? m . Tropical; 32°N - 3°S, 115°W - 80°W
🌿 Ecology
fishes and crustaceans; reaches at least 25 years; recently confirmed as a protogynous hermaphrodite
📐 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epinephelus panamensis | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus panamesis | Steindachner | 1877 | Synonym |
| Petrometopon panamensis | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
| Serranus panamensis | Steindachner | 1876 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 25 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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