Catface grouper
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit reefs and rocky bottom to a depth of at least 101 m ; juveniles are found in tide pools. Feed on fishes and crustaceans. Sexual maturity is attained at 50 to 60 cm. Are diandric protogynous hermaphrodites unlike that of other congeners .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: head, body and fins brown; body, caudal and dorsal fins with numerous small close-set irregular dark brown spots; 2 dark brown stripes running posteriorly from the eye across operculum, and another continuing from the maxillary groove to the lower edge of the preopercle; body elongate, depth 3.2-3.7 times in SL; greatest body width 1.4-1.8 times in body depth; head length 2.4-2.7 times in SL; angular preopercle, with several enlarged serrae at the angle; upper edge of operculum slightly convex; posterior and anterior nostrils equal; scaly maxilla, reaching to or past vertical at rear edge of eye; 2-3 rows of teeth on midside of lower jaw; rounded caudal fin; ctenoid midlateral-body scales (mostly embedded), with auxiliary scales .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Catface grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Diandric protogynous hermaphrodite .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 101 - ? m . Subtropical; 15°S - 37°S, 27°E - 51°E Southeast Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: known with certainty only from the southeast coast of Africa between Quissico, Mozambique (24°50'S) and Knysna, South Africa (23°E).
🌿 Ecology
fishes and 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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