|
Epinephelus gabriellae Randall & Heemstra, 1991 Multispotted grouper |
|
|
photo by
Field, R. |
| Family: | Epinephelidae (Groupers) | |||
| Max. size: | 52 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range 6 - 88 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: Somalia to Oman. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: head and body pale brownish gray, densely covered with tiny close-set dark orange-brown spots; median and paired fins spotted like body; caudal, soft dorsal and anal fins with white edge and a submarginal blackish zone; depth of body 3.2-3.6 times in SL; head length 2.4-2.6 times in SL; flat to slightly convex interorbital area, dorsal head profile with slight indentation above nostrils; preopercular angular, with enlarged serrae at the angle and a shallow notch just above the angle; upper edge of operculum straight; posterior nostril slightly larger than anterior; maxilla reaches vertical at rear edge of eye; ventral edge of maxilla with a low step-like bend one orbit diameter from rear end of bone; 2 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw; lateral body scales ctenoid, with numerous auxiliary scales; pyloric caeca about 76 (Ref. 89707). | |||
| Biology: | Found over rocky bottoms (Ref. 30573); reef-associated species. Juveniles/subadults inhabits shallow waters with high coral cover. Feeds on fishes and invertebrates (Ref. 89707). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 November 2016 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||