Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture (2+1)

EPINEPHELUS TAUVINA (Greasy grouper)

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERS:

A large serranid fish with an elongate and thick-set body. Preoperculum with a slightly convex serrated upper edge and several strong spinules at lower angle. Operculum with straight upper edge and 3 spines, the middle spine closer to the lower one. Gill rakers 27 to 30 on lower part of 1st gill arch. Teeth in narrow bands, in 2 series on sides of jaws, those of the inner series longer and depressible. Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 15 to 16 soft rays. Caudal fin rounded. Colour: ground colour light brown, with darker vertical or oblique bands; upper parts of head and body and base of pectoral fins covered by red/brown spots; spots on cheek arranged in regular series from eye to preopercular angle; spots in large adults obscure or absent.