Fin's Fish Guide
The Areolate grouper (Epinephelus areolatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia.
Description
The areolate grouper is a sea bass of the family Serranidae widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a stocky, light-brown body densely covered with angular brown-yellow spots, and reaches about 47 cm. It occurs in seagrass beds and over fine sediment bottoms near rocky reefs and dead coral, in shallow shelf waters. It is a predator feeding on fishes, prawns and crabs. Like many groupers the species is a hermaphrodite that functions first as a female and later as a male. It is a prized market fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Areolate grouper?
The Areolate grouper has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Closely packed angular brownish-yellow blotches; protogynous hermaphrodite.
Where does the Areolate grouper live?
The Areolate grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia.
How big does the Areolate grouper get?
The Areolate grouper grows to a maximum of about 47 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Areolate grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Areolate grouper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Areolate grouper edible?
Yes, the Areolate grouper is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Epinephelus
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Areolate grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Areolate grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.