Comet grouper (Epinephelus morrhua) fish species and information / pictures of Comet grouper - Epinephelus morrhua

Comet grouper (Epinephelus morrhua) fish species information

Scientific Name
Epinephelus morrhua

Common Name
Comet grouper

Biology
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8

Classification

Classified By
Valenciennes, 1833
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets (Serranidae)

Distribution

Region
Indo-Pacific
Distribution
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. Epinephelus poecilonotus, Epinephelus radiatus, and Epinephelus tuamotoensis are sometimes referred to as this species.
Range
31°N - 33°S, 30°E - 158°W

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
80 m
Depth To - meters
370 m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 80 - 370 m (Ref. 5222)
Trophic Level
3.97 s.e. 0.65 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
True
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
90.0 cm
Common Length
60.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
Moderate vulnerability (43 of 100)
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)
Threat To Humans
  Reports of ciguatera poisoning (Ref. 5222)
IUCN Red List Status
  Least Concern (LC)