Head profile of netfin grouper
Netfin grouper (Epinephelus miliaris)
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Facts – Netfin grouper
| Also known as: | netfin rockcod |
|---|---|
| Synonyms: | Epinephelus dictyophorus, Epinephelus diktiophorus, Epinephelus fuscus, Epinephelus gaimardi, Serranus diktiophorus, Serranus gaimardi, Serranus miliaris |
| French: | Merou Abielle, Vielle Abielle, Vielle Fou-fou |
| Spanish: | Mero Colmenar |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Perciformes |
| Family | Serranidae |
| Genus | Epinephelus (1) |
| Size | Length: up to 50 cm (2) |
Status – Netfin grouper
The netfin grouper is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).
Description – Netfin grouper
A fairly large and commercially valuable reef fish, the netfin grouper (Epinephelus miliaris) has a dense pattern of small, yellowish-brown spots covering the head and body, and large, blackish-brown spots adorning the fins. Between four and five bars are often visible on the body, which is generally elongated and rather robust (2) (3) (4). Like all grouper species, netfin grouper young are characterised by a kite-shaped body, with greatly elongated spines on the dorsal and pelvic fins (4).
Range – Netfin grouper
Habitat – Netfin grouper
Biology – Netfin grouper
Like other members of the genus Epinephelus, the netfin grouper is a major predator in the coral reef ecosystem, thought to feed mainly on fish and large invertebrates, such as crustaceans, on or near the sea bottom (1) (4). Most grouper species are ambush predators, hiding amongst rocks and coral waiting for suitable prey to pass by. All species in this genus appear to display protogynous hermaphroditism, an unusual reproductive strategy in which individuals begin mature life as female and change sex later to become male (4). Most species of grouper produce large numbers of eggs each year, often (but not always) aggregating in large groups to spawn (5).
Threats – Netfin grouper
Although not currently considered threatened, it is recognised that the netfin grouper is being increasingly impacted by overfishing and habitat destruction (1).
Conservation – Netfin grouper
While there are no specific conservation measures in place for the netfin grouper, this species does occur in some Marine Protected Areas across its range (1).
Find out more – Netfin grouper
To find out more about the conservation of reef fishes, see:
-
Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations:
http://www.scrfa.org/ -
Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group:
http://www.hku.hk/ecology/GroupersWrasses/iucnsg/index.html
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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.
- Invertebrates: animals with no backbone, such as insects, crustaceans, worms, molluscs, spiders, cnidarians (jellyfish, corals, sea anemones), echinoderms, and others.
- Pelvic fins: in fish, the pair of fins found on the underside of the body.
- Protogynous hermaphroditism: a system in which an animal begins its life cycle as a female, but as it ages, based on internal or external triggers, it shifts sex to become a male animal.
- Spawn: the production or depositing of large quantities of eggs in water.
References
-
IUCN Red List (September, 2010)
http://www.iucnredlist.org/ - Rome, B.M. and Newman, S.J. (2010) North Coast Fish Identification Guide. Department of Fisheries, Perth, Australia.
-
Fish Base (September, 2010)
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7353 -
Heemstra, P.C. and Randall, J.E. (1993) FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 16: Groupers of the World. Food and Agricultural Organization, Rome. Available at:
ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/t0540e/t0540e00.pdf -
Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group (September, 2010)
http://www.hku.hk/ecology/GroupersWrasses/iucnsg/index.html
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