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Plectropomus marisrubri Randall & Hoese, 1986 Red Sea coralgrouper |
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photo by
Field, R. |
| Family: | Epinephelidae (Groupers) | |||
| Max. size: | 120 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range - 80 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea. | |||
| Diagnosis: | This species is characterized by the following colouration: body and fins are brown to orange-red with numerous small dark-edged blue spots (smallest on fins, present only basally on pectoral fins); ca. 30-50 spots behind and below centre of eye to edge of preopercle; there are some spots on sides of body of adults vertically elongate, and some on head obliquely elongate; the spots are usually absent or few on underside of thorax and abdomen; body usually with seven dark bars subequal to pale interspaces; pectoral-fin rays with dark brown, abruptly pale distally; eyes are narrowly rimmed in blue (may be interrupted); caudal-fin margin sometimes narrowly whitish (Ref. 127962). | |||
| Biology: | Occurs on or near coral reefs and outer-reef slopes, sometimes in lagoons or over seagrass and sandy areas, to at least 85 m depth. It feeds on other fishes. It is a popular food fish on Saudi Arabian coast and is heavily fished (Ref. 127962). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 22 November 2016 (A4bd) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||