Epinephelus flavocaeruleus

Epinephelus flavocaeruleus

Scientific name	Epinephelus flavocaeruleus
Descriptor	Lacepède
Year of description	1802
IUCN category (World)	LC
Family	Epinephelidae
Genus	Epinephelus

Introduction

Epinephelus flavocaeruleus 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

45 cm
Maximum size

90 cm

Average size

45 cm
Maximum size

90 cm

How to recognize Epinephelus flavocaeruleus ?

Epinephelus flavocaeruleus measures around 45 cm. The dominant males can however reach 90 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly jaune and bleu body.

Sexual dimorphism

The adult male is bigger than the female.

Behaviour & Life cycle

diet

carnivorous
Sociability

solitary
territorial

Yes
Way of living

diurnal

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

Epinephelus flavocaeruleus is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. Relationships between conspecifics are also hectic, with each seeking to secure its place.

Reproduction

Reproduction

ovipare

Epinephelus flavocaeruleus is a fish ovipare.

Harmless species

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

Where to find it?

Origin

East Indian Ocean western Indian Ocean

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

Temperature

23 - 28 °C
Depth

10 - 150 m

Biotope presentation

Epinephelus flavocaeruleus is most often found at a depth between 10m and 150m. 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.