Epinephelus albomarginatus Boulenger, 1903
White-edged grouper
Epinephelus albomarginatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  100 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 13 kg
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 100 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Quissico, Mozambique to East London, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: head, body, dorsal and caudal fins pale brown, with numerous dark brown spots; ventral parts of head and body lacking spots; juveniles, many of the spots merge to form double spots; prominent dark brown streak along the upper edge of maxillary groove; margin of interspinous dorsal fin membranes yellow or gold; soft dorsal and anal fin dusky distally, with prominent white edge; upper and lower edges of posterior part of caudal fin white edged; pectoral fins yellowish or reddish orange; body depth less than head length, 2.6-3.0 times in SL; head length 2.3-2.5 times in SL; angular preopercle, 2-3 enlarged serrae at the angle; upper edge of operculum straight or convex; naked maxilla, without a step on ventral edge; caudal fin truncate, corners rounded in adults, posterior edge convex in juveniles; lateral body scales ctenoid, with few auxiliary scales in adults (Ref. 089707).
Biology:  Found over rocks and corals at depths of at least 100 m. Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, also on fishes and squids (Ref. 4787, 5213).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 20 November 2016 (A4bd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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