Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded grouper (Epinephelus amblycephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The banded grouper is a grouper from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the Andaman Sea to southern Japan, Australia and Fiji. It grows to about 50 cm and has a pale grey body with five broad dark brown cross-bars, a dark saddle blotch on the nape and white bands radiating from the eye. It lives on coral and rocky reefs of the continental shelf between about 40 and 130 metres depth and hunts fish and crustaceans. Like most groupers the species is a protogynous hermaphrodite. It is a commercially valued food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded grouper?
The Banded grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Five broad vertical bars and a dark nape blotch; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Banded grouper live?
The Banded grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Banded grouper get?
The Banded grouper grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Banded grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded grouper is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Banded grouper edible?
Yes, the Banded grouper is a highly prized food fish.
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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 Banded grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.