Humpback grouper
📖 Overview
Generally inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs and are typically found in dead or silty areas . Also found around coral reefs and in tide pools. Growth is very slow. Feed on small fishes and crustaceans . Artificial spawning was accomplished in the work of Tang et al. 1979 where buoyant eggs measured 0.80-0.83 mm in diameter with a single oil droplet. Larvae died 7 days after hatching. Juveniles are commonly caught for the aquarium trade while adults are utilized as food fish . Sold in Hong Kong live fish markets .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. This species is easily distinguished by its extreme smallness of size of the anterior part of the head as compared to the elevated postorbital part; absence of canine teeth, except for a very small pair at the front of the upper jaw; D X, 17-19; A III, 10 (rarely 9); a slit-like posterior nostril; color greenish white to light greenish brown with scattered round black spots on head, body, and fins, with body spots generally larger than those on head and fins; about 9 large roundish dusky blotches may be present on body, with some extending partly into base of dorsal and anal fins ; characterized further by having moderately deep body, greatest depth 2.5-3.0 in SL; small eyes; concave dorsal profile of head; rounded caudal fin .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Humpback grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Humpback grouper is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Humpback grouper is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 40 m , usually 5 - 25 m . Tropical; 32°N - 23°S, 88°E - 170°E Indian Ocean: Nicobar Islands to Broome, Western Australia.
🌿 Ecology
small fishes and crustaceans (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Humpback grouper is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 113 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Humpback grouper has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 14 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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