Epinephelus areolatus

(Forsskal, 1775)

Areolate Grouper

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Red Sea and Persian Gulf to Natal, South Africa, east to Fiji, north to Japan and south to Queensland, Australia.

Size: 18 inches (45 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits seagrass beds on rocky reefs and is found at depths between 6 – 600 feet (2 – 180 m) where it feeds on small fishes and crustaceans.

General Husbandry: Pale white with many orange to brown spots that become smaller towards the tail. Not purposely collected for the trade.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Serranidae

Subfamily: Epinephelinae

Genus: Epinephelus

FYI: Shown here for identification only.

Mainly a food fish or gamefish.

Unsuitable for the home aquarium.