Snubnose grouper
📖 Overview
Found in lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 44 m; including outer reef slopes. More abundant on oceanic reefs and rare on coastal reefs . Feeds on crustaceans (mainly crabs), fishes, octopi, and squid. Solitary (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Head profile angular; body less compressed and spots more closely spaced than E. corallicola and E. howlandi . Body and median fins with large dark blotches, largest towards the tail ; further characterized by pale greyish color; head, body and fins with well-spaced dark brown to orange brown spots of unequal size; soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins with narrow white to yellow margin; lower part of head and breast with white blotches; 3-4 black blotches along back; body scales cycloid except ctenoid on lower region below pectoral fins; body with numerous auxiliary scales; greatest depth of body 2.9-3.6 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.4 in head length ; head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; flat or slightly concave interorbital area, dorsal head profile of adults with ventral bend at orbits; rounded preopercle, minute serrae mostly covered by skin and shallow indentation just above the angle; straight or slightly convex upper edge of operculum posterior nostril distinctly larger than anterior nostril; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of orbit, ventral edge smoothly curved at distal expansion; strongly projecting lower jaw, 2-4 rows of teeth at midlateral part .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Snubnose grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 44 m . Tropical; 30°N - 33°S, 30°E - 137°W south to Natal, South Africa and east to the central Pacific.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans (mainly crabs), fishes, octopi, and squid
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Snubnose 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) | 118 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Snubnose 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? macrospilus | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Ephinephelus macrospilus | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus macrospilus | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus microspilus | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Serranus cylindricus | Günther | 1859 | Synonym |
| Serranus macrospilos | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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