Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is a brackish-water fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Description
The orange-spotted grouper is a large grouper of the family Serranidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has an elongate, light-brown body densely covered with orange-brown spots. It inhabits turbid coastal reefs, often over mud and sand bottoms, and is regularly found in brackish water and estuaries; juveniles live in shallow tidal areas. As an ambush predator it feeds on fishes and crustaceans. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite and an important aquaculture and food fish. Large reef specimens can locally contain ciguatera.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown-spotted grouper?
The Brown-spotted grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Densely scattered with orange-brown spots; protogynous hermaphrodite, large specimens can contain ciguatera.
Where does the Brown-spotted grouper live?
The Brown-spotted grouper lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; turbid coastal reefs, brackish water and estuaries.
How big does the Brown-spotted grouper get?
The Brown-spotted grouper grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.
Is the Brown-spotted grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown-spotted grouper is harmless to humans. The flesh can contain ciguatera in tropical areas; do not eat large reef specimens from risk areas. In case of poisoning (tingling, gastrointestinal symptoms, temperature-reversal sensation), seek medical care.
Is the Brown-spotted grouper edible?
Yes, the Brown-spotted grouper is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Brown-spotted grouper and live in the same waters.
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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 Brown-spotted grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown-spotted grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.