Longspine grouper
(Epinephelus longispinis)
Image source: Gaell Mainguy | inaturalist.org
General data
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific: Kenya to South Africa (32°S) and east to the Watubela Group of the eastern Banda Sea. Not known from the Red Sea nor Persian Gulf.
Max length: 55 cm TL; max. published weight: 2.7 kg
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-17; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8.
Similar to E. maculatus but fewer spots and posterior ones elongated. Characterized by greyish brown color with pale blotches; head with widely scattered brown spots; diagonally elongated spots on body becoming more numerous posteriorly.
Dorsal fin with large dark blotches.
Inhabit coral reefs or rocky areas and occasionally on sandy bottom. Feed mainly on crustaceans, especially crabs and stomatopods, rarely on small fishes, squids, and pelecypod flesh.
