Blue Spotted Grouper

Juveniles dark brown with bright yellow dorsal, anal, pelvic and tail fins. At size about 9 cm, small scattered blue dots appear and yellow on fins begins to recede (Ref. 37816); characterized further by brown to reddish brown color, usually mottled; head, body and fins covered with numerous white to bluish spots; several pale bars evident on side; scales ctenoid scales on body including abdomen; greatest body depth 2.6-3.0 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins 1.8-2.1 in head length (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7 - 8

Found among the coral reefs (Ref. 9137).

Inhabits shallow protected coastal reefs, in seagrass beds, and in coral-rich areas (Ref. 9710, 48635). Feeds on crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 37816). Solitary (Ref 90102). Protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 089707).

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: very high; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family