Threespot grouper
📖 Overview
Juveniles are common in tide pools and in shallow clear water around rocks and coral reefs; adults found in deeper water. Kuo et al. (1988, Ref. 6826) induced sex reversal and artificial spawning (referred to as 'Epinephelus fario').
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 17; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Preopercle rounded; serrae mostly hidden by skin; upper edge of operculum straight; nostrils small, subequal; maxilla reaches to or beyond vertical at rear edge of the eye. Area behind pectoral-fin tip with a patch of ctenoid scales in juveniles. Color is pale brown with small red or reddish brown spots. Fins darker, also covered with spots and often with a narrow white edge. A black blotch is at the base of the last 3 dorsal-fin spines, a smaller blotch at the base of the middle dorsal-fin rays, and a third on top of the caudal peduncle. Distinguished further by the following characteristics: body depth contained 2.7-3.3 times in SL; head length 2.4-2.6 times in SL; slightly convex interorbital area; small anterior and posterior nostrils, subequal; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of eye; 2 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Threespot grouper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Threespot grouper is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Threespot grouper is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m . Tropical; 37°N - 20°N, 112°E - 143°E Northwest Pacific: southern Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Threespot 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 | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 117 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Threespot grouper has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Black-saddled Grouper · Brown Marbled Grouper · Threespot Grouper · threespot gouper |
| 🇫🇷French | Merou Trois Taches |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Nominokuchi · ノミノクチ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Garoupa-de-três-manchas |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Mero Tres Manchas |
| 🌍VIE | Ca mu song |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 三斑石斑魚 · 石斑 · 紅皮鱠 · 過魚 · 鮭點石斑魚 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serranus ara | Temminck & Schlegel | 1842 | Synonym |
| Serranus trimaculatus | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
| Serranus ura | Valenciennes | 1828 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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