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Starry grouper (Cephalopholis polyspila) — Serranidae

Starry grouper

Cephalopholis polyspila
Family: Serranidae

The Starry grouper (Cephalopholis polyspila) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The starry grouper is a grouper (Epinephelidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 19 cm and has a red-brown body densely covered with small, pale star-like spots. As a bottom-oriented ambush predator it lives around coral-rich reefs and engulfs small fish and crustaceans. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Starry grouper?

The Starry grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Starry grouper live?

The Starry grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Starry grouper get?

The Starry grouper grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Starry grouper dangerous to humans?

No, the Starry grouper is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sterren-koraalbaars sourced
English name
Starry grouper sourced
Scientific name
Cephalopholis polyspila
Family
Serranidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Cephalopholis

More from the family Serranidae

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