Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture (2+1)

EPINEPHELUS FUSCOGUTTATUS (Brown-marbled grouper)

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERS:

A large serranid fish with an oblong and laterally compressed body. Preoperculum obtusely rounded and finely serrated along its upper edge; no enlarged spinules at angle. Operculum with upper border strongly convex and 3 flat spines, the upper and lower of which are poorly developed, the lower closest to edge of operculum. Gill rakers 17 to 20 on lower part of 1st arch. Teeth small, in narrow bands in young, in broad bands in adults, those of inner series longer and depressible; canines at front of jaws. Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 14 to 15 soft rays. Pectoral fin with 18 to 19 rays. Caudal fin rounded.

Colour: ground colour varying from olive/yellow to light brown, covered all over by numerous close-set dark brown spots, so that pale colour of narrow interspaces contrasts highly with dark spotting, especially on head; 4 black blotches, 3 along base of dorsal fin and 1 forming a black saddle on caudal peduncle.