Bigspot Rockcod

Head profile angular; body less compressed and spots more closely spaced than E. corallicola and E. howlandi (Ref. 37816). Body and median fins with large dark blotches, largest towards the tail (Ref. 48635); further characterized by pale greyish color; head, body and fins with well-spaced dark brown to orange brown spots of unequal size; soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins with narrow white to yellow margin; lower part of head and breast with white blotches; 3-4 black blotches along back; body scales cycloid except ctenoid on lower region below pectoral fins; body with numerous auxiliary scales; greatest depth of body 2.9-3.6 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.4 in head length (Ref. 90102); head length 2.3-2.6 times in SL; flat or slightly concave interorbital area, dorsal head profile of adults with ventral bend at orbits; rounded preopercle, minute serrae mostly covered by skin and shallow indentation just above the angle; straight or slightly convex upper edge of operculum posterior nostril distinctly larger than anterior nostril; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of orbit, ventral edge smoothly curved at distal expansion; strongly projecting lower jaw, 2-4 rows of teeth at midlateral part (Ref. 89707).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Found in lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710) to a depth of at least 44 m. Feeds on crustaceans (mainly crabs), fishes, octopi, and squid (Ref. 5222).

Found in lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710) to a depth of at least 44 m; including outer reef slopes. More abundant on oceanic reefs and rare on coastal reefs (Ref. 89707). Feeds on crustaceans (mainly crabs), fishes, octopi, and squid. Solitary (Ref 90102).

fisheries: commercial

Occurs at depths of at least 44 m. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (mainly crabs), fishes, octopuses, and squids.