The Greasy Grouper

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The Greasy Grouper (Epinephelus tauvina), also known as the Arabian grouper, is an Indo-Pacific fish species of economic importance belonging to the family Serranidae. Greasy grouper Epinephelus tauvina Cernia Maculata Intotheblue.it

The greasy Grouper we find it in the Red Sea and along the East African coast, east to the Pitcairn group, north to Japan, and south to Lord Howe Island.

Epinephelus tauvina grows up to 75 cm in length. These fish have a wide, upward-facing mouth with rather thick lips. A group of black spots is 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.

Many serranid species are brightly colored, and many of the larger species are caught commercially for food. They are usually found over reefs, in tropical to subtropical waters along the coasts. Serranids are generally robust in form, with large mouths and small spines on the gill coverings. They typically have several rows of sharp teeth, usually with a pair of particularly large,canine-like teeth projecting from the lower jaw.

All serranids are carnivorous. Although some species, especially in the Anthiadinae subfamily, only feed on zooplankton, the majority feed on fish and crustaceans. They are typically ambush predators, hiding in cover on the reef and darting out to grab passing prey. Their bright colours are most likely a form of disruptive camouflage, similar to the stripes of a tiger.

Many species are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start out as females and change sex to male later in life. They produce large quantities of eggs and their larvae are planktonic, generally at the mercy of ocean currents until they are ready to settle into adult populations. Typically groupers live in their lair, where they feel safe, and go out to get food and check the territory.

Greasy grouper Epinephelus tauvina Cernia Maculata Intotheblue.it

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Stefano ha scritto / wrote 117 articoli / Posts.
Questo articolo è stato scritto il / This article was written on 09/05/2019
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