Blacktip grouper

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Blacktip grouper

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Serranidae
Genus: Epinephelus
Species: E. fasciatus
Binomial name
Epinephelus fasciatus
Forsskål, 1775

The blacktip grouper is a member of the Serranidae, the family which includes the sea basses as well as the groupers.

Contents

[edit] Distribution

The blacktip grouper is widely distributed; it is found from the Red Sea to South Africa, as far north as Korea, and in the waters around Australia.[1]

[edit] Description

The blacktip grouper grows up to 40cm in length and may weigh up to 2kg. The tips of the spines of the dorsal fin are black, and it may have a dark red cap above the eyes.[1][2] There is a variant with a uniformly pale body except for the frontal part.[3]

[edit] Diet

It feeds on crustaceans and smaller fish by ambushing them.[1][2]

[edit] Habitat

It is found associated with coral reefs from 4m deep (more commonly from 15m) up to 160m, in both marine and brackish water, sometimes in groups of 10-15 individuals.[1][2] Juveniles may find shelter in mangrove swamps.[3]

[edit] Interaction with man

Blacktip groupers of the red sea are fished by the bedouin.[3] It has also been associated with ciguatera poisoning.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Epinephelus fasciatus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. 5 2007 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c Lieske, E. and Myers, R.F. (2004) Coral reef guide; Red Sea London, HarperCollins ISBN 0-00-715986-2
  3. ^ a b c Siliotti, A. (2002) fishes of the red sea Verona, Geodia ISBN 88-87177-42-2