Epinephelus daemelii (Günther, 1876)
Saddletail grouper
Epinephelus daemelii
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets), subfamily: Epinephelinae
 Max. size:  200 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 68 kg
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range - 50 m
 Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: Australia, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Kermadec Islands and New Zealand (North Island and Poor Knights Island). The Australian range extends from southern Queensland to Kangaroo Island off South Australia; also reported from the Bass Strait.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8
 Biology:  Found on rocky substrata from near shore to at least 50 m. It is an aggressive territorial species that may occupy a particular cave for life. Small individuals feed on crabs and small fishes. Sexual transition reported to occur at 100-110 cm (Ref. 6787). Large individuals are often attracted by divers (Ref. 9710). An esteemed food fish avidly sought by anglers and spear fishermen.
 IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened  (Ref. 96402) , IUCN Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 12.02.93
 Modified by: Kesner-Reyes, Kathleen - 07.10.05
 Checked by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 28.03.94

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