Fin's Fish Guide
The Squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The squaretail coralgrouper is a large grouper from the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Samoa and Australia. The species grows to about 80 cm and has a brown-red to olive body densely covered with small blue, dark-edged spots, and an almost straight tail margin. As a top reef predator it hunts other reef fish by day. It gathers in spawning aggregations around the full moon and is a protogynous hermaphrodite. Large specimens can cause ciguatera poisoning. Through fishing of spawning concentrations it is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Squaretail coralgrouper?
The Squaretail coralgrouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Spawning shoals at full moon; protogynous hermaphrodite; possibly ciguatoxic
Where does the Squaretail coralgrouper live?
The Squaretail coralgrouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Squaretail coralgrouper get?
The Squaretail coralgrouper grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.
Is the Squaretail coralgrouper dangerous to humans?
The Squaretail coralgrouper 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 Squaretail coralgrouper edible?
Yes, the Squaretail coralgrouper is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Plectropomus
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Squaretail coralgrouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Squaretail coralgrouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.