| Family: |
Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| Max. size: |
28 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 60 m |
| Distribution: |
Pacific Ocean: eastward to French Polynesia and the Pitcairn Islands, and to Christmas Isalnd in the Indian Ocean |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9. This species is distinguished by the following characteristics: greatest body depth 2.7-3.1 in standard length; body scales ctenoid except cycloid scales ventrally on abdomen; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins usually not reaching the anus, 1.8-2.2 in head length Colour of body reddish brown anteriorly, dark brown posteriorly; caudal fin with 2 white to bluish white bands that converge posteriorly (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit clear, shallow waters of outer reef areas, in lagoons, back-reef areas, and on the reef-top. As solitary individuals (Ref. 90102), they prefer healthy coral reef in shallow areas, and are therefore greatly affected by reef degradation (Ref. 89707). They feed on small fishes (68%) and crustaceans. Because of its small size, the darkfin hind is not of much interest as a food fish (except perhaps to subsistence fisheries), but it does well in an aquarium and may find a market as an aquarium fish. They are caught with hook-and-line, gill nets, and in traps (Ref. 39231). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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