Saddletail grouper
📖 Overview
Found on rocky substrata from near shore to at least 50 m. It is an aggressive territorial species that may occupy a particular cave for life. Small individuals feed on crabs and small fishes. Sexual transition reported to occur at 100-110 cm . Large individuals are often attracted by divers . An esteemed food fish avidly sought by anglers and spear fishermen.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Saddletail grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 50 m . Subtropical; 25°S - 43°S, 136°E - 177°W Southwest Pacific: Australia, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Kermadec Islands and New Zealand (North Island and Poor Knights Island).
🌿 Ecology
crabs and small fishes
📐 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epinephalus daemelii | Günther | 1876 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus damelii | Günther | 1876 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus forsythi | Whitley | 1937 | Synonym |
| Serranus daemelii | Günther | 1876 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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