Marquesan grouper
📖 Overview
Marquesan grouper (Epinephelus irroratus), first described by Forster, 1801 is a medium-sized fish in the family Epinephelidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 34.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Epinephelidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: reddish brown color with white dot on each scale giving finely speckled appearance; dark reddish brown maxillary streak; prominent dark red margin on spinous dorsal fin; rear edges of median and pectoral fins with white line; body depth contained 2.7-3.3 times in SL; head length 2.4-2.6 times in SL; slightly convex interorbital area and dorsal head profile; rounded and slightly indented preopercle angle, lower serrae scarcely enlarged; upper edge of operculum almost straight; posterior nostrils about twice the size of anterior nostrils; maxilla reaching or just past vertical at rear edge of eye; 2-4 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Marquesan grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 50 - ? m . Tropical; 30°N - 12°S, 144°E - 139°W known only from the Marquesan Islands and one specimen from Minami Tori Shima, Marcus Islands, Japan (although this report may be erroneous).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Epinephelus Irroratus 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 | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 147 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Marquesan grouper has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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