Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded-check reef-cod (Epinephelus morrhua) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 90 cm.
Description
The comet grouper is a grouper from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 90 cm and has a stocky, light-brown body with conspicuous dark, comma-shaped curved bands over the head and flanks. As a reef predator it lives around deeper rocky reef and steep slopes, between about 80 and 370 metres, and hunts fish and crustaceans. It is a valued food fish, but in large specimens there are reports of ciguatera poisoning. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded-check reef-cod?
The Banded-check reef-cod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark comma-shaped bands; deeper-reef predator with a ciguatera risk
Where does the Banded-check reef-cod live?
The Banded-check reef-cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Banded-check reef-cod get?
The Banded-check reef-cod grows to a maximum of about 90 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Banded-check reef-cod dangerous to humans?
The Banded-check reef-cod is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Eat large specimens with caution: there is a risk of ciguatera poisoning (nausea, tingling, hot/cold reversal). Seek medical help if symptoms follow consumption.
Is the Banded-check reef-cod edible?
The Banded-check reef-cod is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Banded-check reef-cod?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded-check reef-cod is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Banded-check reef-cod?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded-check reef-cod is one of 12,519 species in the app.