Smooth Grouper

Distinguished by the following characteristics: body depth, 2.4-2.6 times in SL; eye diameter much less than snout length, 7.2-8.1 in HL; preopercle serrate, serrae covered by skin; opercular spines not readily visible; slightly concave or straight dorsal head profile; caudal fin rounded or truncate with rounded corners; smooth scales, mostly covered by skin and auxiliary scales (Ref. 089707).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 19; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10

A rare species seen in shallow waters of sheltered, turbid coastal rocky or coral reefs (Ref. 9710).

A rare species seen on shallow waters of sheltered, turbid coastal rocky or coral reefs (Ref. 9710). Morgans (1982, Ref. 6448) reports shoaling behavior in small groups (8 or fewer individuals). Examination of stomach contents reveal fish remains.

fisheries: subsistence fisheries