The Goldblotch Grouper (Epinephelus costae) is a large, commercially important fish species found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for its distinctive gold blotches, it is a popular target for recreational and commercial fishing, and plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Goldblotch Grouper (Epinephelus costae) boasts a robust, elongated body with a large head and a broad, rounded snout. Their characteristic coloration features a background of reddish-brown to greyish-brown with prominent, irregularly shaped gold blotches scattered across the body. These blotches are more pronounced on the head and upper body, fading towards the tail. Adults can attain a maximum size of 140 cm in length, making them one of the larger grouper species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Goldblotch Grouper (Epinephelus costae) is a demersal species, preferring to inhabit rocky reefs, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. They are typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 300 meters, making them adaptable to a wide range of marine environments. They are commonly encountered in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the waters of Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, and the western Pacific. This species is a frequent inhabitant of the warm, clear waters of the neritic zone, the area of the ocean above the continental shelf, and the bathyal zone, the region of the ocean floor extending from 200 to 3,000 meters in depth.
Taxonomy
The species Epinephelus costae belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This family includes a diverse array of fish species, commonly known as groupers, sea basses, and anthias. They are characterized by their generally robust bodies, large mouths, and often, prominent teeth.
Feeding
The Goldblotch Grouper (Epinephelus costae) is a carnivorous fish with a varied diet. Their diet includes a wide range of marine invertebrates and fish, with a particular fondness for clams, crabs, crustaceans, fish (little fishes), lobster, rock lobster, sepia, and snails. This opportunistic feeding strategy enables them to thrive in various habitats and adapt to the availability of prey.
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