Greasy grouper

Taxobox
name = Greasy grouper
status =
trend = down


image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Perciformes
familia = Serranidae
genus = "Epinephelus"
species = "E. tauvina"
binomial = "Epinephelus tauvina"
binomial_authority = Forsskål, 1775Also known as the Arabian Grouper. It's common Arabic name is Hamoor (هامور).

Description

The Greasy grouper grows up to 75cm in length. Its head and body are pale greenish grey or brown with round spots, varying from orange-red to dark brown. A group of black spots may be visible on the body at the base of the rear of the dorsal fin. Five vertical darker shaded bars may also be present on the body. Similar species: Epinephelus corallicola and Epinephelus howlandi have shorter bodies and spots less closely spaced.

Distribution

Widely distributed; from the Red Sea to South Africa, as far north as Japan, and in the waters around Australia.

Habitat

It is found in clear water areas associated with coral reefs from 1-300m deep, where it feeds on smaller fish.

Hazards

Eating this fish may be associated with ciguatera poisoning

References

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