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CAMOUFLAGE GROUPER FACTS |
Description
The Camouflage Grouper is a large pale fish with large irregular dark blotches and small dark spots forming distinct diagonal bands on the body. There is a large dark spot on the tail stem. The Camouflage Grouper is often confused with the Flowery Cod (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). The Camouflage Grouper has more distinct oblique bands, a larger spot on the tail stem and fewer pectoral fin rays (16 to 17 compared with 18 to 20).
Size
length to 90cm
Habitat
found in coral reef lagoons, outer reefs, around islands and coral atolls. It frequents areas with caves and large crevices. Usually seen in small groups. Depth range 1m to 46m.
Food
crabs, fishes, cephalopods, gastropods.
Range
The Camouflage Grouper is found in the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is found around northern parts of the country to southern Queensland. Also found round Lord Howe Island.
Conservation Status
The conservation status in the 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals is "lower risk/near threatened".
Classification
| Class: | Actinopterygii | | Order: | Perciformes | | Family: | Serranidae | | Genus: | Epinephelus | | Species: | polyphekadion | | Common Name: | Camouflage Grouper |
Relatives in same Genus
Blacktip Rockcod (E. fasciatus)
Flowery Cod (E. fuscoguttatus)
Queensland Groper (E. lanceolatus)
Trout Cod (E. maculatus)
Honeycomb Grouper (E. merra)
Potato Cod (E. tukula)
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