| Remarks |
Cleaned by <>Elacatinus figaro observed off the coast of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil (Ref. 40102). Juveniles inhabit turtle grass beds, mangrove areas, and shallow waters among soft corals and coral reefs. Adults are found on rocky bottoms with high relief. Probably feeds on plankton (no information is available on the food of this species). The max weight of 4 kg given in Ref. 5222 appears too low.
Dying or illness feigning by the juvenile comb grouper (visually estimated to be about 15-20 cm TL) was recorded at São Sebastião Channel, Paulo coast. It was observed lying on its side on the gravel/sandy bottom, occasionally undulating its body but remaining stationary at the same spot stabilized by its paired fins and keeping the dorsal fin retracted, appearing to be ill or injured (dying). When small inquisitive fishes approached within 1 m, the comb grouper lunged forward and seized one of the fish (Ref. 55761). When feigning death or illness, the predator behaves as a visual lure (Ref. 55761). |