Fin's Fish Guide
The Highfin grouper (Epinephelus maculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 61 cm.
Description
The highfin grouper is a grouper from the Pacific, from the Cocos-Keeling Islands to Samoa, north to Japan and south to southeastern Australia. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a pale brown body with numerous small dark and light spots. As a bottom-dweller it lives on coral and rocky reefs to about 100 metres and hunts sand-dwelling fish, crustaceans and sometimes octopus. Like other groupers it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. Large specimens can cause ciguatera poisoning in some areas. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Highfin grouper?
The Highfin grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Protogynous hermaphrodite; large specimens possibly ciguatoxic
Where does the Highfin grouper live?
The Highfin grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Highfin grouper get?
The Highfin grouper grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.
Is the Highfin grouper dangerous to humans?
The Highfin grouper is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The flesh of large specimens can contain ciguatoxin and cause ciguatera poisoning (stomach upset, tingling, reversal of hot/cold sensation). Do not eat large specimens from risk areas; seek medical help if symptoms appear.
Is the Highfin grouper edible?
Yes, the Highfin grouper is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Highfin grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Highfin grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.