Sedentary reef-associated species . Occurs on coral reefs, areas with rocky substrata, algal flats and seagrass beds. Feeds on fishes and crustaceans . A protogynous hermaphrodite . Forms spawning aggregations . Solitary (Ref 90102).
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 18; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Characterized by red-brown head; body mottled pale-brown color; 5-6 irregular dark brown bars on body; caudal fin dark brown with pale speckling; body scales ctenoid except cycloid anterodorsally above lateral line, on nape, thorax and abdomen; body with auxiliary scales only anterodorsally behind zone of small cycloid scales; greatest depth of body; 2.7-3.2 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins, 1.9-2.4 in head length ; body depth contained 2.7-3.2 times in SL; head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; flat to slightly convex interorbital area, dorsal head profile convex; snout length 4.0-5.0 in HL; angular preopercle, with enlarged serrae at angle; straight upper edge of operculum, almost horizontal; posterior and anterior nostril subequal in size; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of eye, ventral edge with slight step at distal expansion; 2-3 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw; pyloric caeca .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for Halfmoon grouper is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Halfmoon grouper is currently being compiled.
A monandric species . Length at sex change = 7.56 cm TL .
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 150 m . Subtropical; 36°N - 36°S, 23°E - 175°E West Pacific: East Africa to the western Pacific, southward into temperate waters of South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
fishes and crustaceans (Ref
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Charlie Court Cod · Chinaman rockcod · Dotted Groper · Green-finned Rock-cod · Halfmoon grouper · Halfmoon Rockcod · Red Cod · Rockcod · White-dotted Cod · white-dotted grouper |
| 🌍AFR | Koningklip |
| 🌍CES | kanic půlměsícový |
| 🇫🇷French | Cabot Sale · Cabot sale, Rouge sale · Loche brique · Merou Demi-lune · Rouge Sale |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Shimofurihata · シモフリハタ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | garoupa-meia-lunada |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Mero Media Luna |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 半月石斑魚 · 石斑 · 霜點石斑魚 · 鱠仔 |
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epinephelus grammatophoros | Boulenger | 1903 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus grammatophorus | Boulenger | 1903 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus homosinensis | Whitley | 1944 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus matterni | Fowler | 1918 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus raymondi | Ogilby | 1908 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus rhyncholepis | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus rhyncolepis | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus spiramen | Whitley | 1945 | Synonym |
| Serranus rhyncholepis | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Serranus rhyncolepis | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Serranus rivulatus | Valenciennes | 1830 | Synonym |
| Serranus viridipinnis | De Vis | 1884 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 25 records indexed .
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Halfmoon grouper ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.