Dotted grouper (Epinephelus epistictus)
Facts – Dotted grouper
| Also known as: | Black-spotted grouper, black-spotted rockcod, broken-line grouper, brown rockcod, spottedback grouper |
|---|---|
| Synonyms: | Epinephelus episticus, Epinephelus heniochus, Epinephelus magniscuttis, Epinephelus praeopercularis, Epinephelus stimogrammacus, Serranus epistictus |
| French: | Diri, Merou Pale |
| Spanish: | Mero Palido |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Perciformes |
| Family | Serranidae |
| Genus | Epinephelus (1) |
| Size | Max length: 80 cm (2) Max weight: 7 kg (2) |
Status – Dotted grouper
Classified as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List (1).
Description – Dotted grouper
Like other groupers, the dotted grouper has a robust body with a spiny dorsal fin and a rounded caudal fin (2) (3). As its name suggests, small dark spots arranged in irregular rows are conspicuous over the sides and upper parts of its pale brown to greenish-grey body. In addition, some specimens have a broad dark band running back from the eye to the operculum and two narrower bands running diagonally across the cheek (2) (4).
Range – Dotted grouper
Habitat – Dotted grouper
Biology – Dotted grouper
Nothing has been published on the biology of the dotted grouper (1), but like other Epinephelus species, it is probably a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning that individuals begin mature life as female and change sex later to become male (2) (3). Epinephelus species tend to be voracious predators, with fish and crustaceans taken near the sea bottom forming the bulk of prey (2) (5).
Threats – Dotted grouper
Although the dotted grouper is potentially threatened by overfishing there is very little information available to make a detailed assessment of the conservation status of this species. In the absence of research data, it is unknown whether its apparent rarity in fisheries is attributable to naturally low abundance levels, already-depleted stock, or simply a preference for deeper water where it is less likely to be caught (1).
Conservation – Dotted grouper
Owing to the lack of information on the dotted grouper, the current conservation priority is to research those aspects of its biology which will significantly influence its vulnerability to overfishing, such as growth rate and reproductive potential. Similarly, quantitative information on the natural abundance of this elusive species is crucial to assessing its status (1).
|
View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
|
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is a principal sponsor of ARKive. EAD is working to protect and conserve the environment as well as promoting sustainable development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. |
Find out more – Dotted grouper
For further information on the conservation of groupers see:
- Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group:
http://www.hku.hk/ecology/GroupersWrasses/iucnsg
Authentication
Glossary
- Crustaceans: Diverse group of arthropods (a phylum of animals with jointed limbs and a hard chitinous exoskeleton) characterised by the possession of two pairs of antennae, one pair of mandibles (parts of the mouthparts used for handling and processing food) and two pairs of maxillae (appendages used in eating, which are located behind the mandibles). Includes crabs, lobsters, shrimps, slaters, woodlice and barnacles.
- Dorsal fin: The unpaired fin found on the back of the body of fish, or the raised structure on the back of most cetaceans.
- Operculum: A hard, bony flap that covers and protects the gill slits of fish.
- Protogynous hermaphrodite: An animal that begins its life cycle as a female. As the animal ages, based on internal or external triggers, it shifts sex to become a male animal.
References
-
IUCN Red List (April, 2009)
http://www.iucnredlist.org/ - Heemstra, P.C. and Randall, J.E. (1993) FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 16: Groupers of the World. Food and Agricultural Organization, Rome..
- Randall, J.E. (1994) Coastal fishes of Oman. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.
- Polovina, J.J. and Ralston, S. (1987) Tropical snappers and groupers: biology and fisheries management. Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado.
- Campbell, A. and Dawes, J. (2004) Encyclopedia of Underwater Life. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
What's new?
New profile for the Vulnerable thorny skate. More
Latest from the ARKive blog
To see the latest posts from ARKive please visit http://blog.arkive.org or enable javascript.
Image credit
© John E. Randall
Dr. John E. Randall
jackr@hawaii.rr.com
http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/photos/HI_Reef_Shore_Fishes.pdf
Link to this photo
Embed this ARKive thumbnail link by copying and pasting the code below.
Terms of Use - The displayed thumbnail may be used as a link from your website to ARKive's online content for not-for-profit private, scientific, conservation or educational purposes only. Portlets may NOT be used within Apps.
MyARKive offers the scrapbook feature to signed-up members, allowing you to organize your favourite ARKive images and videos and share them with friends.
