The Bar-breasted Rock-cod, Gilbert’s Rock-cod, Honeycomb Cod, Honeycomb Rockcod, Long Finned Rock Cod, Longfin Cod, Longfin Grouper, Long-finned Cod, Long-finned Rockcod, Long-finned Rock-cod, Rockcod, Spotted Groper, Wirenet Cod, scientifically known as Epinephelus quoyanus, is a species of fish belonging to the Serranidae family. It is a relatively small species, reaching a maximum size of 40.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
Epinephelus quoyanus is characterized by its distinctive honeycomb-like pattern, which gives it the name “Honeycomb Cod.” Its body is elongated and compressed, with a large head and a slightly pointed snout. The dorsal fin is continuous and has 11 spines followed by 15-16 soft rays. The anal fin has 3 spines and 8 soft rays. The color of this species can vary from brown to reddish-brown, with white or yellowish spots and bars.
Habitat and Occurrence
Epinephelus quoyanus is found in a variety of marine habitats, including subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. Its depth range extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This makes Epinephelus quoyanus a common resident of the neritic zone, where it thrives amidst the vibrant ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Epinephelus quoyanus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Serranidae. This classification places it among the diverse group of ray-finned fishes that includes many familiar and commercially important species.
Feeding
Epinephelus quoyanus is a predatory fish that feeds on a variety of crustaceans, including crabs, edible crabs, rock shrimps, and shrimps. It also consumes smaller fish, worms, and other zoobenthos organisms. Its diet reflects its opportunistic nature, as it adapts to the available prey in its chosen habitat.
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