Speckled grouper
📖 Overview
Known only in deep water in the vicinity of coral reefs. Biology unknown. It is an excellent food fish.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: pale brown body color with small dark brown to greyish green spots unevenly scattered on the dorsolateral parts of the head and body, dorsal and caudal fin; one row of close-set spots running posteriorly from the eye in a distinct line; absence of spots on the body below the level of the pectoral fins or on the anal and paired fins; body depth contained 2.7-3.2 times in SL; head length 2.2-2.4 times in SL; flat to convex interorbital area, dorsal head profile almost straight; angular preopercle, 2-4 distinctly enlarged serrae at angle; slightly convex upper edge of operculum; posterior nostril not much larger than anterior nostril; maxilla reaches below rear half of eye, ventral edge with low step at the distal expansion; 2 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw, inner teeth larger than outer teeth .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Speckled grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 50 - 300 m . Tropical; 21°N - 32°S, 30°E - 179°W West Pacific: Natal coast of South Africa, northern Mozambique, Reunion, Mauritius, New Caledonia, Philippines, New Guinea, New Ireland, and Fiji.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Epinephelus Magniscuttis 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 | 18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 125 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Speckled 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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