| Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| 198 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 91 kg |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 30 m |
| Eastern Central Pacific: southern La Jolla, California, USA to Mazatlan, Mexico. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-11. Distinguished by the following characteristics: uniform dark brown or grey color of adults (can rapidly change into juvenile pattern when disturbed or under stress), large adults with white pectoral fin margin and median fins with narrow white edge; juvenile with greyish brown color, with dark spots along upper half of the body; depth of body 3.1-3.4 times in SL; head length 2.5-2.7 times in SL; rounded preopercle, finely serrate, lacking distinct lobe at the angle; posterior nostrils not notably enlarged, diameter less than twice of anterior nostrils (Ref. 89707). |
| Found in rocky reefs and kelp beds. Juveniles are unknown in California waters and the few large adults that have been taken there are probably expatriates from a more southerly breeding population. Large adults feed on fishes (Ref. 9342). Reported to prey on juvenile hammerhead sharks. Its large size makes it an object of game fishing (Ref. 9342). |
|
Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 20 November 2016 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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