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Clipperton grouper (Epinephelus clippertonensis) — Serranidae

Clipperton grouper

Epinephelus clippertonensis
Family: Serranidae

The Clipperton grouper (Epinephelus clippertonensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 61 cm.

Length
61 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
30.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico, Clipperton I., Revillagigedo A.

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Description

The Clipperton grouper is a grouper (Epinephelidae) from reef water of the eastern Pacific, around oceanic islands. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a robust, brown with paler blotches body with a large mouth. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it shelters among rocks and coral and engulfs fish and crustaceans with a sudden suction strike. Like many groupers a female changes sex on loss of the male. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Clipperton grouper?

The Clipperton grouper has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Clipperton grouper live?

The Clipperton grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Mexico, Clipperton I., Revillagigedo A.

How big does the Clipperton grouper get?

The Clipperton grouper grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.

Is the Clipperton grouper dangerous to humans?

No, the Clipperton 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Clipperton grouper sourced
Scientific name
Epinephelus clippertonensis
Family
Serranidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
61.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico, Clipperton I., Revillagigedo A. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Epinephelus

More from the family Serranidae

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