The greasy grouper (Epinephelus tauvina), also known as the Arabian grouper or greasy rockcod, is an Indo-Pacific fish species of economic importance belonging to the family Serranidae.[3]
The species inhabits clear-water areas on coral reefs (at depths to 50 m), although juveniles may venture into reef flats, tidepools, and mangrove estuaries.[1]
Description
Epinephelus tauvina grows up to 75 cm (30 inches) in length.[1] These fish have a wide, upward-facing mouth with rather thick lips. Their heads and bodies are pale greenish grey or brown with round spots, varying from orange-red to dark brown. A group of black spots may be visible on the body at the base of the rear of the dorsal fin. Five vertical darker shaded bars may also be present on their bodies.
It is similar to E. corallicola and E. howlandi, which, however, have shorter bodies and spots less closely spaced.[2]
The greasy grouper is a long-lived fish with a very slow growth rate. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite.[4][5] Greasy groupers are top predators on the reef; they mainly feed on small fish and sometimes crustaceans.[1]
Fisheries
The greasy grouper is caught in recreational fisheries (including spearfishing and hook-and-line fishing) and plays a major role in commercial fisheries. It is also found in the aquarium trade.[1] Total production in 2013 was 16,234 tonnes (combined recreational fisheries, commercial fisheries, and aquaculture).[6]
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