Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture (2+1)

EPINEPHELUS AREOLATUS (Areolated grouper)

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERS:

A fairly small serranid fish with a slender and laterally compressed body. Preopereulum with a convex and finely serrated upper edge and 2 to 4 enlarged spinules at angle. Operculum with convex upper border and 3 flat spines, the middle spine equidistant from upper and lower ones. Teeth in narrow bands, in 2 series on sides of jaws, teeth of inner series longer and depressible; canines at front of jaws. Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 15 to 16 soft rays. Caudal fin truncate to emarginate. Colour: ground colour of head, body and fins pale brown, covered by dark green/brown spots; spots on fins usually darker; caudal and soft part of dorsal and anal fins edged dusky black but with a fine white outer margin.