Camouflage grouper
📖 Overview
Often found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and outer reefs; in caves and large crevices to swim through . Most abundant around islands, particularly atolls. Usually in small schools but may be solitary (Ref 90102). Feeds mainly on crustaceans (portunid crabs) and fishes, sometimes on cephalopods and gastropods. In the Hong Kong live fish markets . This species is important in artisanal fisheries, but occasionally implicated in cases of ciguatera (frequently ciguatoxic in the Marshall Is., Ref. 37816). It is now uncommon at localities with heavy spearfishing, but popular in the aquaculture industry of Singapore, where it is known as 'marble grouper'. It is caught with hook-and-line, spear, and traps .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. This species is distinguished by the following characters: body depth 2.7-3.1 in SL; preopercle rounded, finely serrate; upper edge of operculum distinctly convex; rear nostril diameter about twice that of anterior nostril; gill rakers of first gill arch 8-10 + 15-1= 24-27; dorsal-fin spines third or fourth longest, 2.7-3.3 in HL and distinctly shorter than longest dorsal-fin ray; 2-3 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw; front of jaws with inconspicuous fixed canines; body scales ctenoid in broad zone on side from beneath pectoral fin to caudal peduncle, the rest cycloid; caudal fin rounded; pectoral-fin rays 16-18, fin length 1.7-2.1 in HL; short pelvic fins, 1.9-2.4 in HL; lateral-line scales 47-52, in series 95-110. Colour of head, body, and fins pale brown, covered with small dark brown spots; upper half whitish, head and body with irregular dark blotches (more distinct on live specimens) superimposed over the dark spots; prominent black saddle blotch on caudal peduncle; dark spots extend all over head, including lower jaw, lips, branchiostegal membranes, gular area, and inside of mouth; numerous small white spots on fins (more distinct on live fish). a few on head and body; juveniles with a pair of blackish spots on each side of snout and a black spot at margin of second and third interspinous dorsal membranes .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Camouflage grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Camouflage grouper is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Camouflage grouper is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 50 m . Tropical; 30°N - 34°S, 27°E - 134°W east coast of Africa to French Polynesia.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans (portunid crabs) and fishes, sometimes on cephalopods and gastropods
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Camouflage 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 | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 110 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Camouflage grouper has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epinephelus dispar | Playfair | 1867 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus goldmani | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus microdon | Bleeker | 1856 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus polyhekadion | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus polyphekaidon | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
| Serranus goldmanni | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Serranus microdon | Bleeker | 1856 | Synonym |
| Serranus polyphekadion | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 21 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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