Dermatolepis striolata (Playfair, 1867)
Smooth grouper
Dermatolepis striolata
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  85 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 11 kg
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Gulf of Oman and south coast of Arabian Peninsula, Aldabra, Comoros, Madagascar, and coast of Africa from Kenya to Durban, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-19; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Distinguished by the following characteristics: body depth, 2.4-2.6 times in SL; eye diameter much less than snout length, 7.2-8.1 in HL; preopercle serrate, serrae covered by skin; opercular spines not readily visible; slightly concave or straight dorsal head profile; caudal fin rounded or truncate with rounded corners; smooth scales, mostly covered by skin and auxiliary scales (Ref. 089707).
Biology:  A rare species seen on shallow waters of sheltered, turbid coastal rocky or coral reefs (Ref. 9710). Morgans (1982, Ref. 6448) reports shoaling behavior in small groups (8 or fewer individuals). Examination of stomach contents reveal fish remains.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 February 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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