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Pacifiic guaseta (Alphestes multiguttatus) — Serranidae

Pacifiic guaseta

Alphestes multiguttatus
Family: Serranidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pacifiic guaseta (Alphestes multiguttatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–30.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific; shallow rocky reefs.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Pacific mutton hamlet is a grouper (Epinephelidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a stocky, brownish body densely covered with small dark and pale spots, a camouflage against rocky reefs. It is a bottom-dwelling, shy reef fish that keeps hidden by day and moves little. As an ambush hunter it takes small crustaceans and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pacifiic guaseta?

The Pacifiic guaseta has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Densely speckled camouflage-coloured body; shy, little-moving reef ambush predator.

Where does the Pacifiic guaseta live?

The Pacifiic guaseta lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; shallow rocky reefs.

How big does the Pacifiic guaseta get?

The Pacifiic guaseta grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.

Is the Pacifiic guaseta dangerous to humans?

No, the Pacifiic guaseta is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Pacifiic guaseta edible?

Yes, the Pacifiic guaseta is commonly eaten.

More photos

Pacifiic guaseta (Alphestes multiguttatus) — Serranidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) donnymidas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pacifiic guaseta (Alphestes multiguttatus) — Serranidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) rc6750, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Pacifiic guaseta verified
Scientific name
Alphestes multiguttatus
Family
Serranidae
Other names
Rivulated mutton hamlet; Rock bass; Sea bass verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Average length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific; shallow rocky reefs. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Densely speckled camouflage-coloured body; shy, little-moving reef ambush predator. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Alphestes

More from the family Serranidae

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