Latin name

Epinephelus stoliczkae

Other name

Epinephelus stoliczkae

Identification

Epinephelus coioides is a very similar species, Epinephelus rivulatus is also similar to Epaulet grouper.

The body of the Epaulet grouper is stout, the pronotum has moderately enlarged denticles at the corners; the upper margin of the gill is almost straight; the nostrils are flattened or the posterior nostril is slightly larger. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 18; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. 

The dorsal fin is made up of two parts, the hard part consisting of eleven spines and the soft part of 16-18 rays. The anal fin of this species consists of three spines and eight soft rays. 

Fish colouring

Head and body yellowish grey, with dark orange-red or reddish-brown spots except ventral and posterior; dark grey stripe running anteroventrally from base of dorsal fin; dark saddle-shaped spot on caudal peduncle. Fin usually yellowish brown; median fins with broad yellowish margin posteriorly.

Distribution

The range extends from the Red Sea (including the Gulf of Suez) and the northwestern Indian Ocean to the coast of Pakistan. The species has not been recorded in the Gulf of Aqaba.

Habitat

Tropical marine, reef associated species. Habitat depth range 5-50 m. 

Size

Epaulet groupers can grow to 38 centimetres. Total length for males is 35 centimetres.

Behavior

Found on shallow sandy bottoms near small coral pinnacles; not found on well-developed coral reefs.

Food and feeding habits

Predators with a strongly protruding upper jaw that takes on the shape of a tube when the mouth is open. This mouth structure allows groupers to forcefully suck in prey. They feed on small sharks, fish, lobsters, rays and baby turtles.

Reproduction

Nothing is known about the breeding biology of this species.

Fishing

Epaulet grouper is of little commercial importance in the fishery.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Sold fresh at local markets.