| Family: |
Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| Max. size: |
114 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 15 kg |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Atlantic: Caribbean coast of Venezuela. Recently reported from the Port Royal reefs off Jamaica indicating that it may be found in other Caribbean localities. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-12. Distinguished by the following characteristics: pale grayish brown color of adults, juveniles greenish brown with irregular brown spots on the body; soft dorsal and anal fins with white edge and dark submarginal band; depth of body 3.1-3.3 times in SL; distinctly convex interorbital; angular preopercle, enlarged serrae on distinct lobe at the angle; subequal sizes of anterior and posterior nostrils in fish less than 25 cm SL, fish larger than 40 cm SL the posterior nostrils are much larger than anterior ones (Ref. 89707). |
| Biology: |
Common in depths of 5 to 8 m; large adults are caught in 20 to 40 m; juveniles in shallow water over sandy bottoms near coral reefs and seagrass beds. Marketed fresh. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 20 November 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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