Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus

Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus

Scientific name	Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus
Descriptor	Bloch
Year of description	1790
IUCN category (World)	LC
Family	Epinephelidae
Genus	Epinephelus

Introduction

Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus is a salt water fish.

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Who is it?

Genus Epinephelus

In 2019, the genus Epinephelus comprised 87 species according to FishBase. These fish are commonly known as "groupers" and belong to the "serranid group" (Serranidae).

They are territorial carnivores with elongated and robust bodies. They have imposing heads with canines in the front of their jaws and protractile mouths. All species possess 10 or 11 dorsal spines.

Most species are found in coral reefs or rocky areas, with some exceptions (such as E. aeneus, E. bruneus, or E. areolatus) living in sandy, muddy, or silty bottoms. Adults are typically observed at depths ranging from 10 to 200 meters. Most Epinephelus are recognized as protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born as females and become males as they grow. However, not all females may change sex, and some males may not go through this commonly accepted stage.

These fish are highly valued commercially for consumption and recreational fishing, but they are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth, late maturity, and the formation of reproductive aggregations. Overfishing, particularly targeting mature individuals, can lead to sex-ratio imbalances and affect reproduction. Several groupers are now the subject of aquaculture farms (especially E. coioides and E. malabaricus).

According to the IUCN, overfishing and pollution have already caused a significant decline in the populations of many groupers, and several species are endangered.

Morphology

Average size

60 cm
Maximum size

76 cm
Pattern

tasks

Average size

60 cm
Maximum size

76 cm
Pattern

tasks

How to recognize Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus ?

Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus measures around 60 cm. The dominant males can however reach 76 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly marron and beige body. The also has beige tasks.

Sexual dimorphism

The adult male is bigger than the female.

Behaviour & Life cycle

diet

carnivorous
Sociability

solitary
territorial

Yes
Way of living

diurnal

Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.

Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus is a fish solitary naturally found at mid-depth and near the bottom. This species is carnivorous .

This species is territorial and does not appreciate the presence of intruders nearby, especially animals with similar behavior. It can also be virulent toward conspecifics. However, Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus is generally peaceful with non-territorial animals that cannot be potential prey.

Reproduction

Reproduction

ovipare qui pond en eau libre

Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus is a fish ovipare qui pond en eau libre.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Origin

Persian Gulf Great Barrier Reef mer d'Oman Philippine Sea South East Asian Seas Indonesian seas East Indian Ocean western Indian Ocean Western Tropical Pacific Ocean

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

Temperature

25 - 29 °C
Depth

2 - 65 m

Biotope presentation

Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus is most often found at a depth between 2m and 65m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.