The Banded Reed Cod, Banded Rock Cod, Blacktip Grouper, Black-tipped Grouper, Black-tipped Rockcod, Black-tipped Rock-cod, Footballer Cod, Golden Grouper, Red Banded Grouper, Red Banned Grouper, Redbarred Roccod, Rock Cod, Striped Grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus) is a species of marine fish in the family Serranidae. This colorful grouper is characterized by its striking banding patterns and black-tipped fins, making it a popular target for aquarium enthusiasts. It is also a prized food fish in certain regions.
Description & Characteristics
The Epinephelus fasciatus boasts a distinctive appearance, featuring a body adorned with broad, vertical bands of red, orange, and yellow, often against a lighter background. These bands are often more pronounced in juveniles, gradually fading with age. The fish also has prominent black tips on its fins, most notably on the dorsal and anal fins. The maximum size of the Banded Reed Cod, Banded Rock Cod, Blacktip Grouper, Black-tipped Grouper, Black-tipped Rockcod, Black-tipped Rock-cod, Footballer Cod, Golden Grouper, Red Banded Grouper, Red Banned Grouper, Redbarred Roccod, Rock Cod, Striped Grouper is approximately 52.0 cm.
Habitat and Occurrence
Epinephelus fasciatus inhabits coral reefs and rocky substrates in the Indo-Pacific region. It is found in a range of depths, from 4.0 meters to 160.0 meters, spanning from the shallows to the deeper, more complex environments. It is a common inhabitant of both tropical and subtropical waters, often observed within the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific marine zones.
Taxonomy
The species Epinephelus fasciatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification reflects its position within the broader group of bony fishes, specifically within the order of perch-like fishes, and the family of groupers and sea basses.
Feeding
The Banded Reed Cod, Banded Rock Cod, Blacktip Grouper, Black-tipped Grouper, Black-tipped Rockcod, Black-tipped Rock-cod, Footballer Cod, Golden Grouper, Red Banded Grouper, Red Banned Grouper, Redbarred Roccod, Rock Cod, Striped Grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus) is a carnivorous fish, feeding on a variety of prey, including brine shrimps, clam meat, fish (little fishes), flakes, frozen food (large sort), mysis, and shrimps. This diverse diet reflects its opportunistic nature, as it readily adapts to available food sources in its habitat.
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