Perciformes: Pex dei: Cemropomidue Order PERCIFORMES Suborder PERCOIDEI CENTROPOMIDAE Sea perches by HK. Larson gnostic characters: Elongate, compressed, medium to large (to 2 cm) percold fishes with dorsal profile behind eyes concave or convex. Eyes mecium sized, relatively close to tip of snout and ‘dorsal profile. Preopercle with serrated posterior or ventral margins and a stout flat spine at angle: opercle with small flat spine; serrated supracleithrum exposed, near beginning of lateral line. Snout rounded. Mouth large, almost horizontal, reaching at least to below eyes. Teeth small, in villiform bands (on upper and lower jaws, vomer, and paiatines (may be present on tongue). Branchiostegal rays 7. First gill arch with 3 to 7 gill rakers on'upper limb, 9 to 14 on lower limb. Dorsal fin deeply incised before last Gorsalfin spine, of with distinct gap betwoon spiny and soft portions of fin. Caudal fin rounded. Dorsal fin with VII fo IX strong spines and 10 to 14 soft rays; anal fin with Ill spines and 7 to 9 soft rays; pelvic fins with axilary scale, and | spine and 5 soft rays; pectoral fins with 16 or 17 rays and spiny tlap exposed just above fin base. Scales large, ctenoid: scale rows on body running horizontally; bases of caudal, soft dorsal, and anal fins covered with scales. Lateral-line scales 45 lo 50; lateral line extends onto caudal fin, nearly to rear margin, in 1 of 3 series, Vertebrac 114+14=25. Three predorsal bones present. Five hypurals {all separate), 2 epurals, and 1 or 2 uroneurals. Swimbladder with strong ligament running anterodorsally to posttempotal. Supraocciptal extended forward, separating posterior portions of frontals. Colour: adults OF silvery grey to brown, juveniles with stripes; eyes with characteristic red reflection. dorsal Fin deeply incised Istral tne extending ento owl peoile behind rf tending Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Contains 2 subfamilies, the Centropominae, with 9 species, and Latinae, with 9 species. Coastal marine and estuarine to fresh water, inhabiting mangrove estuaries and rocky to coral feels. Feed on crustaceans (mostly prawns) and fishes. Solitary or in small groups. Lates calcarifer move up into brackish or fresh water during parts of ther life cycie; other centropomids remain in the sea or fresh water. Popular and sought-after fishes, with some species of very considerable economic importance. ‘Similar families occurring in the area Serranidae: preapercle smooth or serrated, usually with- ‘out large flat spines or serrations; opercie with 3 flat spines; teeth conical, pointed, in rows; lateral line not ‘extending onto caudal fin; dorsal fin single and not divided in most species. Most similar species in the area: Niphon spinosus, Moronidae (Lateolabrax japonicus, occurs near the northern part of the area): usually forked caudal fn; oper- cle with 2 spines on upper part; preopercie serrated, several large flat spines along lower edge; pelvic fins without axilary scale; lateral line does not extend onto ‘caudal fin Serranidae (Niphon spinosus)_ Bony Fishes Key to the species of Centropomidae occurring in the area 1. Jaws roach ack ea f eyes Fig.) ower edge of proper wih 9 rage tat spines 2 «ates calearifer ‘tb. Jaws roach back to under eyes (Fig. 2): lower edge of Dreopercl smooth, without spines, only 1 spine present atangle. .. +e. ssceeceree se ‘Psammoperca vaigiensis single sa prcoperttar preopercular ° spines Fig. 1 Lates calcarifer Fig. 2 Psammoperca vaigiensis List of species occurring in the area ‘The symbol =e is given when species accounts are included, * Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) sm Psammoperca vaigiensis (Cuvier, 1828) References Copland, J.W. and D.L. Grey (ods). 1987. Management of wild and cultured sea bassibarramundl (Lats calcarife) ‘Canberra, Australian Conte for nternalonal Agricultural Resoarch. ACIAR Proceedings, (20}.240 p. Greenwood, PH. 1978. Areviow ofthe family Centropomidae (Pisces, Pereilames). Bull Brit, Mus, (Natl. Hist.) Zool, ‘29(4):1-81231 Lates calearifer (Bloc 1790) GIP Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier 1828) (family Moronidae). FAO names: En - Barramundi (= giant seaporch, Fishing Areas 57/72); Fr - Barramundi; Sp - Barramundi (afte Kaila et, 193) Diagnostic characters: Body moderately deep, elongate, and compressed; caudal peduncle distinct. Dorsal profile concave anteriorly, convex infront of dorsal fn; snout and jaws pointed. Lower edge of preopercle ‘with 3 or 4 (rarely more) large flat triangular spines. Nostrils on each side of head close together near eye. Mouth large, jaws reaching past eyes. Lower limb of first gil arch with 16 or 17 gill akers. Dorsal fin ‘deeply incised before last (small) dorsal-in spine, the fin with VII IX spines and 10 of 11 soft rays. Anal fin with IIL spines and 7 or 8 soft rays. Caudal fin rounded. Scales firmly fixed, ctenoid, Lateral line extends conto caudal fin. Low scaly sheath at base of soft dorsal and anal fins. Colour: adults silver with olive-grey or ‘grey blue backs (fish from turbid waters are darker and duller; juveniles brown to greyish brown with 3 white Stripes on head and scattered white patches on sides (white markings can be intensified or tured off at will); eyes brown to golden, with bright red reflective glow; fins without markings. Size: Maximum total length over 2 m; commonly to 1.5 m and over 55 kg. Habitat, biology and fisheries: Inhabits coastal marine and estuarine to fresh-water habitats; adults mainiy in estuaries (mangroves and river mouths), younger fish extending up rivers into fresh water. Adults return to ‘estuaries to breed, forming spawning aggregations. Barramundi change sex during thei life cycle, with most fish maturing first as functional males then becoming females after 3 to 5 years of age. Feed on fishes and some crustaceans (mostly prawns). Popular and sought-after fishes of very considerable economic impor. tance. From 1990 to 1995, the FAO Yearbook of Fishery Statistics reports a range of yearly catch of around 20 200 t0 42 800 tof Lates calcarifer rom the Western Central Pacific. Gill nets mostly used, but recreational ery (rod-and-ie) becoming inceasingly important, Farming presently carried out, for example in Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. Marketed mostly fresh. Distribution: Widely distrib tuted in coastal areas of the Indo-West Pacific, from the eastern edge of the Persian ‘Gulf to China and southern Ja- pan, and southwards to north- fern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea, —— ~~ e2432 Bony Fishes Psammoperca vaigiensis (Cuvier, 1828) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None. FAO names: En - Waigieu seaperch; Fr - Brochete de mer, Sp - Perca de mar. Diagnostic characters: Body moderately deep, elongate, and compressed caudal peduncle dite, Dorsal brotte concave anteriory, convex non of Gas i sui ar fans pot, seat tp sily rounds Lower edge of preopercle amooth, 1 arg flat spine at rear angle of preoperie Noss on each side of head widely separated. Mouth moderate, jews reaching to feiow male of eyes, Love's oie aitarch wth 13:01 lrakere, Dorsal tn deeply incied before act ema) Gore in opine, the fin wih Vitor VI spines and 12 to 4 sot raya.Anal fn wth Il spnes and 8 09 sofas. Ceval tn ound, Scales mi hed, cero Lateral ne entnds ono caudal fr Low scaly sheatn a base o at dorcel ord aral ne, Colour ih svery ey tw Sark bron usualy copper bron pat Veal ear brows tres tay flow scale rons along lengh of boty eyes goluenreun wh tet ed elton ns unrated Size: Maximum ttl length about 47 em commonly between 20 and 80m Habitat, biology and fisheries: Coastal, maine, ound on shalow rook o coal ets especialy ner alge beds (sion 20 rg lve cung the ay, nang ncreves or under overhangs, Hunts at gt tor smal shes and sustaccane. No fshery sais avaible Fshad mosty wih nance, rod onde, or net: Matactd sty fos, Distbution: Distributed in C= the topical east Indoweet a Paste rom ay of Bengal ; Indo-Ausraian Areipelago and northern Austral Prilpines pan and the Chin SeaPerciformes: Peroide: Ambssrdae 2433 AMBASSIDAE (= Chandidae) Perchiets, glasstishes by GR. Alon lagnostic characters: Small (lo 12 cm) percoid fishes; body oblong to oval-shaped and compressed. [Eyes large, much greater than snout length, Margins and ridges of preorbital, suborbital, supraor- bital, preopercie, and interopercie frequently serrate. Mouth moderately large, only slightly protractile, jaws equal or lower one slightly protruding: angle of jaw oblique, about 40° to horizontal. Bands of vliform teeth on jaws, vomer, and palatines. First gil arch with 16 to 29 gill rakers on lower limb. A deeply notched dorsal fin, the front portion of fin with VII spines, the rear portion with I spine and 8 to 11 soft rays. Anal fin with III spines and 8 to 11 soft rays. Caudal fn forked, Pelvic fins with I spine and 5 soft rays. Pectoral fins with 11 to 17 rays. Branchiostegal rays 6. Scales large and cycloid, extending onto head and base of median fins: cheeks and operculum scaly; lateral line continuous oF interrupted in middle portion; scales in midlaterai series 24 to 34. Colour: semitransparent, usually with dark scale outlines and silvery sheen ‘on side of head and belly. single dora fn, deeply notched often with erated ‘idges on bead Ut aoal fin spines Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Mangrove shores, brackish estuaries, and fresh waters, always in shallow depths. Forms resting aggregations during the day among the roots of mangrove trees, log snags, and aquatic plants, They disperse at night to feed on micro-crustaceans (cladocerans, ostracods, and cope- pods), aquatic and terrestrial insects, and occasional fishes. Too small to be commercially important, Although they are sometimes dried and salted; also used as bait fishes. families occurring in the area Apagonidae: dorsal fin consisting of 2 completely separate parts; only Il anal-fin spines. 2anslfin pines Apogonidae2a Key to marine and estuarine species of Ambassidae occurring in the area Remarks on key characters: the serrated margins and ridges on various head bones are usetul features for identitying ambassid fishes (Fig. 1). 1a, Supraotbital spines usually 3 to 5 rcorbial ide (rarely 2); nasal spine well developed... . . > 2 1b. Single suborbital spine; nasal spine sal _— supraoebitl ridge well developed oF absent 4m \ eee Hind margin of preopercle (i.e. ver- edge Moveopeen fal lm) with about 6 to 1 smal 7 7" serrae (Fig, 2) + .Ambassis vacheltis psa AZ itsdo-astratian Archipelago) 5 inteoperle 2b. Hind margin of preopercie usually uct tata smooth oF weakly crenate without Gletnet serrao (Figs 3 and), 193) Fit.L serrated ridges and edges of head ‘bones used in the identification key 3a. Soft anal-fin rays usually 10 (rarely 11); predorsal scales 16 to 18; eye relatively smal, 10.7 10 12.7% of standard length; caudal peduncte relatively short and deep, its length and depth 16.1 to 20.8% and 14.4 to 16.3% of standard length, respectively Fig. 3)... . . . . . Ambassis marianus (southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia) 3b. Soft anal-fin rays usually 9; predorsal scales 11 to 14; eye larger, 13 0 13.9% of standard length; caudal peduncle more slender, its length and depth 20.6 to 22.2% and 13 to 14.8% of standard length, respectively (Fig. 4) sents = Ambassis gymnocephalus (Undo- West Pacitic) © Fig,2. Ambassis vacheli Fig.3 Ambassis marianus Fig. 4 Ambassis gymnocephalus 4a. Choek with 1 row of scales (Fig. 5) 6-13 small =. Ambassis urotaenia (ido. Australian Archipelago) 4b. Cheek with 2 or more scale rows LOS a, Lateral line continuous from upper edge of gill opening to caudal-fin base... « 1:96 5b. Lateral line interrupted in middle portion . 310 6a, Pectoralfin rays usually 16 or 17 (rarely 15); nasal spine absent (Fig, 6); body relatively deep, maximum depth 45.3 t0 50.6% of standard length _ Ambassis nalua (india to New Guinea and Australia) 6b. Pectoral-fin rays 13 to 15; nasal spine present, but may be blunt and hidden under skin; body more slender, maximum depth 29.2 to 44.7% of standard length oe) Fig. § Ambassis urotaenia Fig. 6 Ambassis nalua a7 row of scales herePereformes:Percoldei: Ambussidse 235 7a, Dorsal-fin spines relatively weak and flexible; soft dorsal-fin rays usually 10 (occasionally 9 or 11); soft anaMin rays usually 8 of 9; body slender, maximum depth 29.2 to 33.2% of standard length; head length 32 to 84% of standard length (Fig. 7)... . - . Ambassis jacksoniensis (New South Wales and Southern Queensland, Australia) 7b. Dorsal-fin spines relatively strong and sti; soft dorsal-in rays usually 9 (rarely 10); soft anal rays usually 9 or 10; body deeper, maximum depth 33.4 to 44.7% of standard lengtt; head length 35.5 to 44.4% of standard length a8 8. Predorsal scales 17 to 22; horizontal scale rows trom anain ogi to base of doa 12or 13 (Fig. 8) - ‘Ambassis macracanthus (Sumatra to New Guinea) 8b. Predorsal scales 8 to 15; horizontal scale rows from analfin origin to base of dorsal fin 9 tort. cette tee sete eee e eee .39 9a, Predorsal scales 8 to 11; second dorsal-fin spine longer than third spine; horizontal scale row from analin origin to base of dorsal fin 11 or 12. - Ambassis Kopsi (Malay Peninsula, Kalimantan Sabah, andthe Philippines) 9b. Predorsal scales 12 to 15; second dorsal-in spine slightly shorter than third spine; horizontal scale row from anal-fin origin to base of dorsal fin 9 or 10 (Fig. 9) . . . . . Ambassis miops {dia to Australia and New Guinea) ig.7 Ambassisjacksoniensis Fig. 8 Ambassis macracanthus Fig. 9 Ambassis miops 10a, Margin of interopercle with 2 to 10 small serrae (Fig. 10); height of spinous dorsal fin 34 to 38% of standard Tength; maximum depth of body 37.2 to 47.8% of stand- ardiengin ..... Ambassis interruptus (Andaman Islands fo Varuatt and New Caled®nt) pig. 49 Ambassis interruptus Fig AL Ambassis buruensis 10b.Margin of interopercle smooth (Fig, 11); height of spinous dorsal fin 27.6 to 92.7% of standard length; maximum depth of body 32.9 t0 39.5% of standard length... eee sees eee eee Ambassis buruensis: * (Sumatra 16 New Guinea and the Philippines) List of marine-estuarine species occurring in the area Ambassis buruensis Bleeker, 1857 ‘Ambassis gymnocephalus (Lacepede, 1802) ‘Ambassis interruptus Bleeker, 1852 ‘Ambassis jacksoniensis (Macleay, 1881) ‘Ambassis kopsi Blocker, 1858 ‘Ambassis macracanthus Bleeker, 1849) ‘Ambassis marianus Gonther, 1880 ‘Ambassis miops Gonther, 1871 Ambassis nalua (Hamilton, 1822) ‘Ambassis urotaenia Bleeker, 1852 ‘Ambassis vachellii Richardson, 1846 References Allen, G.R, and WE. Burgess. 1990. A review ofthe glasstishes (Chandidae) of Australia and New Guinea. Rec. West. ‘Aust. Mus. Supplement, 34:139-206, Fraser-Brunner, A. 1954, A synopsis of the centropomid fishes ofthe subtamily Chandinae, with descriptions of @ new genus and two new species. Bull. Raffles Mus.,25:185-213,2436, Bony Fishes ACROPOMATIDAE Temperate ocean-basses (lanternbellies, spitins) by KE, Carpenter agnostic characters: Body moderately compressed (size to about 40cm), Eyes large, thelr dameter areater than snout tength. Usualy 2, sometimes 3 flat spines on opercie. Mouth subterminal, the lower jaw sigh projecting: smalteethpresenton jaws and usually on vomer and paatines: usvaly canine teeth in jaws, maxilae not covered by preoblal, not seal, and broadened distally. Gil mombranes fro from isthmus. Branchiostegal ays 7. Separate spiny and soft dorsal fins, or dorsal in notched to base before last spine; first dorsal fn with Vil to X spines, and second fin with Oto 1 spines and 8 to 10 soft rays. Anal fin with I oF II spines and 6 to 8 soft rays: Cousel in Usual forked, sometimes deeply forked or emarginate. Vrtebrae wih 10 precaudal and 16 caudal elements. Golaur: body iter pink oF reddish and whiish or sivery ventral, sivery, or mosly brownish or blackish he 2 species of Acrupoma have alight organ and their anus situated near polish base 2 dorsal fins, oe single dors fin notched nary to bass ofore last pine, with VILX spines and 90 st ays 2-5 at oper spines lower je usually ‘with itn, spaced canines ana in wih 1-1 spines fad 68 oft aye Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Demorsal, generally over soft bottom in deep water. found at depths between 20 and 700 m. Incidentally caught in deep bottom trawis and generally too smail or not abundant enough to be exploited commercially, occasionally consumed, some are considered food fish in Japan Remarks: The relationships and affinities of the Acropomatidae have been very much confused. Members ofthis family have variously been placed in the Percichthyidae, Apogonidae, Howellidae, and Polyprioni- dae. The Percichthyidae is now restricted to temperate fresh-water perches and the marine forms put in the Acropomatidae. A species included here under Howella is provisionally placed here and is perhaps. better treated as a separate family (although sometimes also included under the Apogonidae). The species. of Polyprion which apparently are restricted to temperate waters outside the WCP area, are also perhaps better treated in the separate family, Polyprionidae. ‘Similar families occurring in the area ‘Acropomatids are distinguishable from most other similar percoid fishes including the Serranidae, their presumed close relatives) by their divided or nearly divided spinous and soft dorsal fins. Other similar shaped families with this dorsal-fin configuration include’ Apogonidae: anal in with 8 to 18 sot rays (6 to 8 in Acropomatida): a single opocular spine (2 oF 3 in ‘Acropomatidae) Epigonidae: anal fin with 1 to III spines (II or I in Acropo- ‘matidae); opercle with 1 or 3 spines (2 or 3 in Acropomat dae); maxilla narrow (tip of maxila broad in Acropomatidae). —_eo GJ "tt spines Epigonidae ApogonidaePerciformes: Percoidel: Acrpomatida 231 2° dora in with I spine and 19-23 ett aye Lactariidae: second dorsal fin with I spine and 19 to 23 soft rays (0 0 1 spines and 8 to 10 soft rays in Acropomatidae);, anal fn with 25 to 28 soft rays (6 to 8 soft rays in Acroporna- tidae), Scombropidae: second dorsal fin with I spine and 11 to 14 soft rays (0 to I spines and 8 to 10 soft rays in Acropomat- dae); anal fin with 11 to 13 soft rays (6 to 8 soft rays in Acropomatidae); maxilla scaly (not scaly in Acropomatidae) Emmelichthyidae: dorsal fin with X1 to XIII spines and 10 to 12 soft rays (VII to X spines and 8 to 10 soft rays in Lactaridae ‘Acropomatidae); anal fin with 9 or 10 soft rays (6 to & soft rays in Acropomatidae); broad, scaly maxilla (not scaly in ‘Acropomatidae). 25.28 anal-fin rays 2 dora fin with pine oes fin with XIX spines L ae ber te _— RS \ BERS Scombropidae Emmelichthyidae List of species occurring in the area ‘Acropoma japonica Gunther, 1859 ‘Acropoma lecorneti Foutmanoir, 1988 Apogonops anomalus Ogilby, 1896 Bathysphyraenops simplex Parr, 1933" Doederleinia berycoides (Higendort, 1878) Doederleinia gracilispinis Fowler, 1943 Howella brodiei Ogilby, 1899 Malakichshys elegans Daderein, 1883 Malakichthys 89. Neoscombrops pacificus Mochizuki, 1979 Pseudohowella intermedia Fedoryako, 1976 ‘Synagrops analis Katayama, 1957 ‘nagrops argyrea (Gilbert and Cramer, 1896) Synagrops japonicus (Ddderlein, 1884) Synagrops malayanus Weber, 1913 ‘Synagrops philippinensis Gunther, (1880) ‘Synagrops serratospinosa Smith and Radciife, 1912 References Gloerft-Tarp, T. and PJ. Kalola, 1984. Trawled fishes of southern Indonesia and northwestern Australia, Jakan Dir. Gen. Fish (indonesia), German Tech. Goop., Aust. Dev. Assoc. Bur. 408 p. Heomstra, P.C, 1966. Family Acropomatidae. In Smizhs’ sea fishes, edited by M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra “Johannesburg, Maemifan South Area, pp. 581-563, Mochizuki K. 1964. Famiy Perclhthyidae. In Fishes ofthe Japanese Archipelago, eited by H. Masuda, K. Amaoks, Araga, T Uyeno, and T. Yoshino, Tokal Univ. Press. pp. 123-128 Paxton, J.R. and JE, Hanley. 1989, Family Percichihylae. In Zoological catalogue of Australia 7. Pisces Betromvzontidae to Carangidae, edted by 1-R, Paxton, DF. Hogse, G.A. Allen, and JE, Hanley. Canberra, ‘Australian Government Publishing Service, 685 p. 1V Listed here provisionally, most recently considered ‘incertae sedis’ inthe Percoide!2338 Bony Fishes SYMPHYSANODONTIDAE Bunquelovelies (also wampeejawed fishes, slopetishes, and shelf beauties) by W.D. Anderson, sr DDitgrestic characters: Body siender to moderately deep, somewhat compressed (size to about 7 cm). Head moderate. Eyes moderate to large, their diameter about equal to snout length to ‘considerably longer than snout, Suborbital extremely narrow, its height (width) about 1% of standard length. Opercular spines 2. Snout relatively blunt, Anterior ends of premaxillae incised, forming conspicuous symphysial notch that receives anterior ends of dentaries. Mouth terminal and oblique: jaws about equal. Extreme dorsalmost margin of maxilla covered by very narrow suborbital with ‘mouth closed. Premaxila with small teeth (usually larger anteriorly); symphysial notch toothless. Dentary with small teeth usually extending from posterior elevation of the bone almost to symphysis; teeth on and ‘near posterior elevation usually larger: usually a number of relatively large exserted teeth at anterior end of dentary, these teeth fitting into symphysial notch in premaxillae when mouth closed. Tecth, when present, small on vomer, palatines, and pterygoids: no teeth on tongue. Branchiostegal rays 7. First gill arch with 8 to 14 gill rakers on upper limb and 20 to 29 on lower limb (total 29 to 42). Dorsal fin not incised at junction of spinous and soft rays. Caudal fin deeply forked. Both lobes of caudal fin and pelvic fins extremely produced in some individuals. Dorsal fin usually with IX spines and 10 soft rays. Anal fin with III spines and 7 or 8 soit rays. Principal caudal-fin rays 17 (9 in upper lobe, Bin lower lobe); branched caudal-fin rays 15 (8 in upper lobe, 7 in lower lobe). Pectoral-fin rays 15 to 18 (usually 16 or 17). Pelvic fins with I spine and 5 soft rays. Dorsal and anal fins without scales, but with scaly sheaths at their bases. Axillary scales of pelvic fins and scaly interpelvic process well developed. Most of head, including maxillae and dentaries, covered with scales. Scales moderate, ctenoid. Tubed lateral line scales 42 10 61. Vertebrae 10+15=25. Colour: mainly shades of red or orange. Single dorsal Fin usally with Te spines and 10 sot rye 2 operculae spines ada in “cep fronted later Anderson, 1970) Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Bottom-associated fishes, known from depths of 50 to 500 m on the continental shelf and upper continental slope, around islands, and over reefs and submarine ridges. Probably planktivorous. Remarks: Have been considered by various workers to be members of either the family Serranidae or the family Lutjanidae, but species of Symphysanodontidae possess characters that clearly distinguish them {rom serranids and hjanid and lack cheracters that would associate them wit ether of those groups of ishes.Perciformes: Pecoidei: Symphysanodontdae 2439 ‘Similar families occurring in the area Serranidae: 3 opercular spines (2 in Symphysanodontidae); dorsalmost margin of maxilla not covered by Suborbital when mouth closed; vertebrae rarely 25, usually 24 or 26 (25 in Symphysanodontidae). Lutjanidae: maxilla covered to considerable degree by suborbital when mouth closed; anterior ends of remaxillae not incised to form conspicuous symphysial notch that receives anterior ends of dentaries when mouth closed: X to XII dorsal-fin spines (almost always IX dorsal-in spines in Symphysanodontidae); vertebrae 24 (25 in Symphysanodontidae) 3 opercuar Serranidae (subfamily Anthiinae) Key to the species of Symphysanodontidae occurring in the area Remarks on key characters: counts of lateral-line scales are of tubed scales along the body, excluding those posterior fo the base of the caudal fin. Counts of gil rakers include rudiments, when present 4a, Lateratline scales 42 to 49; frst gill arch with 9 to 11 gil rakers on upper limb and 20 to 26 on lower limb (total 29 to 37): length of pelvic fins 22 to more than 80% of standard length; length of upper caudalin lobe 29 to 75% of standard length; length of lower Cauidai-fin lobe 29 to 76% of standard lenath (individuals with well-produced to extremely produced caudalfin lobes and pelvic fins are probably males)... . . . Symphysanodon maunaloae 1b. Lateral-line scales 2 to 55; first gill arch with 10 to 12 gill rakers on upper limb and 25 10 28 on lower limb ({otal 36 to 40); length of pelvic fins 22 to 26% of standard length; both lobes of caudal tn producod sight, but apparently nover extremely producod, as in some individuals of S. maunaloae « cette tees « Symphysanodon typus List of species occurring in the area ‘The symbol = is given when species accounts are included. Symphysanodon maunaloae Anderson, 1970 == Symphiysanodon typus Bleeker, 1878 Reference ‘Anderson, W.0., Jt. 1970, Revision of the gonus Srmphysanodon (Pisces: Lljanidae) with descriptions of four new ‘species. Fish, Bull, 68(2):925-246.aun Bony Fishes ‘Symphysanodon maunaloae Anderson, 1970 Frequent synonyms / misidentification : None / Symphysanodon typus Blocker, 1878. FAO names: En - Beautimous wampeejaw. (ater Anderson, 1970) Diagnostic characters: Body sionder to moderately deep, its depth 21 to 33% of standard length (depth tending to become relatively greater with increase in standard length). First gill arch with 9 to 11 gill rakers (on upper limb and 20 to 26 on lower limb (total 29 to 37). Caudal fin deeply forked, both lobes produced: length of upper caudal-fin lobe 29 to 75% of standard length; length of lower caudal-fin lobe 29 to 76% of standard length. Length of pelvic fins 22 to more than 0% of standard length. (individuals with well-produced to extremely produced caudal-in lobes and pelvic fins are probably males.) Lateral-line scales 42 to 49, Colour: upper body and caudal night eis pink; dark bar between eyes; dark vencal ar just behind operculum. Size: Maximum standard length about 16 em; commonly to 9 em, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Occurs in depths of 150 to 500 m. No other information available. Distribution: Wide ranging {rom the eastern South Pacific (Sala y Gomez Ridge) and Hawaii to Indonesia (off Lom- bok) and the Kyushu-Palau Ridge.Perciformes: Perce: Symphysanodontidae Symphysanodon typus Bleeker, 1878 Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None. FAO names: En - Aristocratic bunquelovely (after Anderson, 1970) Diagnostic characters: Body slender, its depth 22 to 29% of standard length (depth tending to become relatively greater with increase in standard length). First gil arch with 10 to 12 gill rakers on upper limb ‘and 25 to 28 on lower limb (total 36 to 40). Caudal fin deeply forked, both lobes produced, but apparently never produced into extremely fong filaments. Pelvic fins short, not reaching anal fin; length of pelvic fing 22 to 26% of standard length. Lateral-line scales 2 to 55. Colour: (from literature descriptions) body rose above, silvery below; caudal fin yellowish other fins apparently some shade of red. Size: Maximum standard length about 17 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Occurs in depths of 50 to 235 m. No other information available. Distribution: Wide ranging from Hawaii to the Phil (off Luzon) and Indonesia (off Lombok and the Kai Islands).22 Bony Fishes SERRANIDAE Groupers and sea basses (also, soapfishes, anthiines, etc.) by PC. Heomstra and Randall gnostic characters: Body variable in shape, trom deep-bodied to elongate and litle compressed (atleast anteriorly to notably compressed (size trom a few to 250 cm). Opercle with 3 (rarely 2) flat spines; margin of preopercle nearly always serrate (but serrae rudimentary In adults of a fow Species) or with 1 to 4 spines, Mouth large, terminal; maxilla exposed when mouth ie closed; lower jaw usually projecting; bands of small, slender teeth in jaws; canines usually present at front of jaws and sometimes at side; small teeth present on vomer and palatines of most species; no molars or Incisitorm teeth Gil membranes separete, with 7 branchiostegal rays, Dorsal fn single or divided into Spinous and soft portions, with IVto XIit spines and 90.25 sof rays: anal fin wth ll rarely 1) spines and 6 to 24 soft rays; last dorsal and anal-n rays usualy spit o their base but counted as a single ray Gaudal fn with 12 t0 15 branched rays, the fin varying in Shape from rounded to lnate; pelvic fins with | Spine and 5 soltrays inserted below or sghly anterior or posterior o base of pectoral fins: no Sealy axilary process al bao of pelvic ins. Scales small to moderate, adherent, clenoid (or secondarly cycioid).A single Gompleto lateral line (except Pseudogrammin: and some species of Plecranthias), extending on caudal finleas than 1/2 length of mdale caudal-in ays. Vertobrac 24 to 30. Colour: variable with patterns of ght ar dark stipes, spots, vertical or diagonal bars, or nearly plain: many species are capable of rapid colour changes; xanthie (yellow) phases are known in some species and several spocies have. istintvely coloured deep: and shallow-water forms; colour patterns are generaly the most usetulfield characters as the morphometric and meristic characters often overlap to a considerable degree. dorsal fn single or divided int spinous and sof 3 (rarely 2) at Prion, with IV-NII spins ad 9-25 sot rays perce spines = 7 // _ mouth large, - en exposed when | inouth closed margin of prepercle nearly “ anal fn usally with always serrate or ith Io spines eatery a Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Serranids are benthic or bottom-oriented fishes, usually found on coral reefs or rocky substrata; the great majority of species occur on continental or insular shelves in depths Jess than 200 m. All are predaceous, the larger species feeding mainly on fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods, while many of the smaller ones feed on zooplankton, Most serranids represented in the area are protogynous hermaphrodites, i.0. they first mature as females and, alter spawning ane or more times, they wil then change sex, spawning thereafter as males. Fishes of the subfamily Serraninae are synchronous hermaphrodites, with both sexes combined (and functional) at the same time in a single individual, Although these synchronous hermaphrodites can fertlize their own eggs, they normally spawn in pairs and alternate the release of eqgs or sperm in order to have their eggs ferilized by the other fish. ‘Some groupers (subfamily Epinepholinae) form large aggregations at specific sites atthe time of spawning, making them vulnerable to overfishing. These spawning aggregations should be protected, Except for ‘occasional spawning aggregations, most groupers are solitary fishies, and tagging studies have shown that they are generally resident on a particular reef for a long time (often years), This site specificity and the Felatively slow growth rate of groupers make them particularly vulnerable to overfishing. Groupers are among the most highly priced food fishes and are actively sought by commercial and sport fishermen, They are caught with hook-and-line, ill nets, spear, traps, and in trawls. For 1995, FAQ's Yearbook of Fishery Statistics reports a total catch of around 45 600 tof Serranidae from the Western Central Pacific. Separate Statistics per species are not available from the area. Some groupers are important in aquaculture, and a few species have been spawned in captivity. Several species are used in cage-culture operations. Some of the smaller serranids, particularly the colourful Anthiinae and Liopropomatin are of value as aquarium fishes.Pereiformes reoide:Seranidae 240 ‘Similar families occurring in the area Callanthiidae: lateral line running close to dorsal-fin base and terminating on upper surface of caudal peduncle or below last dorsal-fin ray; nasal organ without lamellae; preopercle edge smooth; opercle with or 2 spines. Glaucosomatidae: rear edge of opercie with 2 small tlat points; scaly axillary process at base of pelvic fins well developed: dorsal-fin spines VILL Isterlfne close to LLLP ho i as Glaucosomatidae : pectoral fins shorter than pelvic fins; lateral line extends to rear margin of caudal fin; opercle with a single flat spine. Lutjenidae: maxila mostly covered by preorbital bone when mouth is closed; no spines on opercle; scaly axillary process at base of pelvic fins usually well developed +T\ ‘Centropomidae Lutjanidae Hacmulidae: maxilla mostly covered by preotbital bone when mouth is closed; no teeth on vomer or palatines; no spines on opercle. Sparidae: jaws with incisiform and/or molariform teeth; maxilla mostly covered by preorbital bone when ‘mouth is closed; no spines on opercle; edge of preopercle smooth Wife, May, maxilla mostly wavered by preerbial bone Haemulidaeom Bony Fishes Lobotidae: no spines on opercle; no teeth on vomer or palatines; soft dorsal and anal fins project well past caudalfin base. Kuhlidae: rear edge of opercle forming only 2 flat points; branchiostegal rays 6; scaly sheath at bases of dorsal and anal fins, Lobotidae Acropomatidae: rear edge of opercle forming 2 flat points, or the lower point developed as a cluster of sharp spines; dorsal fin deeply divided or as 2 sepa- rate spiny and soft-rayed fins, the first part with VII to X spines, the second with I'spine and 9 or 10 soft rays; several distinct, spaced canines along lower jaw. Motonidae (Lateolabrux japonicus, occurs near the nnorthem part of the aréa): opercie ends in 2 flat points; vertebrae 34 to 37; swimbladder extends into hollow of first anal-fin pterygiophore, Identification note Lateral scale series are the oblique series of scales that run above the lateral line from the upper end of the gill opening to the base of the caudal fin (Fig.1). Key tothe genera of Serraniaae occuring in the area Note: species names are given wien a genus contains a single species, orl only single species ofthe onus known orm te area 4a. Doral in wih XII spines and 10 or r'sott rays: preopersie wih ene latged spine at comer extending pest suboperse 6g. 2) . es Niphonspinosus 1b, Dorsal nth Vo Xl spins and {oto 25 sot ray, te raysmore us meus than the sine: apnea ‘sinus ta of preopecl enaiged in sone nates Species, but not extending past Siboperie lors fn with XH pines and 10-11 so rays, a Fig. 2 Niphon spinosus244s 2a, Scaly flap of skin joining base of upper pectoral-fin rays to body; oblique scale series more numerous than lalerabine scales; pranched caudal-n ray 18; dorsa-n spines IV, of VIto XI (rarely X) « eee 2b, No scaly flap of skin joining base of upper pectoral-fin rays to body; oblique scale series not more numerous than lateral-line scales; branched caudal-fin rays 12 to 15; dorsal-in spines VIN {OXI sv vee e reece cess evens fetes re 38. Loss than 1/2 of upporbordr of oporie joined to body by kin; dorsal spines Vt 0 XI. ere Epinephetini— 12 ‘3b, Most of upper border of opercle joined to body by skin; dorsal-fn spines IV, of VIE 10 IX... «4 4a. Scales mainly ctenold, not deeply embedded preoperce edge stony sera subop- ercle and interopercle serrate . . : » (tribe Diploprionini) — 5 4b, Scales cyclo, deeply embedded: preopercie edge smooth, except for afew shor blunt Sines dorsally; subopecle and introperete smooth; pectoral fins longer than pelvie fins vee . tee (tribe Grammistin) —> 7 5a. Dorsal fin with VIII spines and 13 to 16 soft rays; body depth greater than head length ‘and 2.0 to 2.4 times in standard longth. ...- + eevee ss ++ + « Diploprion bifasciatum Sb. Dorsal fn wth 1X scines and 10 to 12 sot ray; body depth less than or equal o head length and 2.9 to 3.7 times in standara length sere 6 6a. Dorsal fin let to base before last spine, which is more than twice length of eighth spine: dlorsa-n rays 10; anal fn with Il spines and 8 sot rays; caudal fn truncate + Belonoperca chabanaudi 60. Dorsal fn indented before soft-rayed part but not to base, the last 2 spines subequal Slorsabn rays 12; anal fn with I! spines and 9 sot rays; caudal rounded : ve wee ‘Auiacocephalus temmincki 7a, Lateral ine interrupted; dorsal-fin rays 19 to 25; anal-fin rays 15 10 21. 7p. Lateral ine complete to caudal-fin base; dorsal-fn rays 10 10 16; anal-tn rays 810 13»... 210 8a, Lateral line double, upper part ends below middle dorsalfin rays, lower line runs along midlateral part of body above anal fin; large spine on preopercle pointing dorsally; nan rays 19021; body of aduts pale brown, wih scared, vertical: elongate dark brown spots Aporops bilinearis 8. Lateral line single, ending below middle dorsal-in rays: large spine on rear edge of preopercle pointing ventrally; analfin rays 15 to 18, or 1910 22 ‘9a. Anal-fin rays 19 to 22; dorsal-fin rays 22 to 25; pale mid-dorsal stripe on head. . . . Suttonia lineata ‘9b. Anal-fin rays 16 to 19; dorsal-in rays 19 to 23; no pale mid-dorsal stripe on head . . Pseudogramma 10a. No la; body depth oss than head lngth, 9.110 2.7 tmesin standard length ectral-n rays 14 0r 15. eteeeeeeee = Grammistops ocellatus 40b. A fleshy flap on chin; body Sep abou qual to head fongth, 2.2102:7 times in standard length; pectoralfin rays 161018... - +++ +++ eee :ou ‘11a. Chin flap large, about equal to eye diametor; anal fin with Lil spines and 8 soft rays; head and body brown, with numerous small dark-edged white spots; 4 triangular black sada blotches on body, he largest on nape, the smallest on front of caudal peduncle ‘Pogonoperca punctata 11. hin fap shorter than pupil diameter; anal fn with 1 spines and 9 sof rays: head and Body dark brown or black wih yolow strpos which break up ie a sores of dashes on large adults... ..- +--+ cette sess + + Grammistes sexlineatus2446 Bony Fishes ‘12a. Dorsal-fin spines Vil or VIII; lower edge of preopercle with 1 to 3 enlarged spines (usualy hidden by skin, but hese spines can be detected by running a finger or probe along preopercle edge)’ - 42, Dorsalin spines 1X to Xi lower edge of preopercesmeatn cent {ora few specs of Epinephelus with 1t0 4 enlarged serrae) . . « oB aM 182, Anan spins stong, all3 distinc: prerbital depth 12 o les of eye dameter; head length 2.5 to 2.6 times in standard length (Fig. 3)... ++. « +++ + + + Saloptia powelli 1b. Anal-fn spines weak, the frst and second covered by skin; preorotal depth 0.7 to 2 times ‘eye diameter; head length 2.8 to 3.1 times in standard length (Fig. 4). - Plectropomus vee Snr ica |_bead length 2.83.1 times in standard Length NS me analsin pines Fig. 3 Saloptia Fig. 4 Plectropomus. spines Weak 14a, Caudal fin deeply lunate or forked; dorsalin spines IX (Fig. 5)... -. + +++ +++ + + « Variola 114. Caudal fin rounded, truncate, or concave; dorsal-fin spines IX to XI... . Is ‘15a. No teeth on palatines; body and head elongate and markedly compressed, the greatest body width 110 15% of standard length and more than 3 times in head lngth (Fi. 6) Anyperodon leucogrammicus 48. Palatines with teeth; boy compressed in some species, butts with only 1.8 to 3 times Inhead length 16 oral fn with IX spies and 13-14 soft rays et so eet on —— eit Me — Fig. 5 Variola Fig. 6 Anyperodon X drs pines profile of hati concave 16a. Dorsal profile of head markedly concave; dorsal-fin spines X: rear nostils of adults @ long vertical sit (Fig. 7)... 2... . « Cromileptes altivelis 16b. Dorsal profile of head straight, convex or slightly concave: dorsal-fin spines IX or XI (rarely X); rear nostrils round or oblong = « . « Fig. 7 CromileptesPerit 7 Pereide: Seranigae 27 ‘17a, Pectoral fins distinctly asymmetric, the fith or sixth rays longest (Fig. 8a); dorsal fin with 1X spines and 17 or 18 soft rays; caudal fin truncate (Fig. 9)....-...... Aethaloperca rogaa 117. Pecioral fins symmetric or nearly 60, the midalle rays longest (Fig. 8b}; dorsal fn with IX to XI spines and 12 to 21 soft rays; caudal fin rounded, truncate, or emarginate . . .o1s lors Gin with 1X spines and 17-18 ays caudal fin ~ “runcate pectoral fis asymmetric pectoral in symmetric ~ | » » L Fig 8 esta ins Ba, Dorsal-fin spines 1X . eee 19 Bmmee 18b. Dorsal-fin spines XI. >20 Fig. 9 Aethaloperca 19a. Caudal fin truncate; head small, 2.9 to 3.2 times in standard length; distal part of maxilla wth step or hook press on lower edge (hidden by Tp); dorsln membranes nt incised between spines (Fig. 10) . = Gracila albomarginata 9b. Caudal fin rounded (truncate in Cephalopholis pollen); head length 2.2 to 3.1 times in Standard engi; acts wih knob at ower rear comer of mila (ten by upper i 24 24a. Dorsal fin divided to base between spinous and soft portions; lateral-tine scales 51 to 78; body elongate, its depth 3.3 to 5.3 times in standard length. 24b, Dorsal fin continuous or deeply notched between spinous and soft portions: ateral-tne scale 251 65 (wen lateral Ine complete) body lets elongate is depth 1.940 4.2 mes in standard length . betes es 2S + Luzonichthys 25a. No teeth on vomer or palatines; body depth 3.4 to 4.2 times in standard length; dorsal-fin fpines slender adult males al dorsain spines elongated fo form tal slike dorsal fin. ~ Rabaulichthys altipinnis 25b, Teeth present on vomer and palatines; body depth 1.9 103.6 times in standard length... . . > 26 26a. Patch of teeth on vomer diamond-shaped; a patch of minute teeth present on tongue. . . . . . > 27 26D. Patch of teeth on vomer triangular or V-shaped; no teeth on tongue .328 27a. Dorsal-fin rays 19 to 21; lateralline scales 57 to 61; caudal fin rounded to slightly ‘emarginate, no elongale fin spines or rays. atest sees ss Caprodon schlegelit 2b, Dorsalfn rays 1310 17;lateraltine scales 30 to 47; caudal fin forked; 1 ormore fn spines ‘or rays prolonged tees wee - Holanthias - Acanthistius ocellatus .39 28a. Dorsal-fin spines XIII 28b. Dorsal-fin spines X .. 29a. Dorsal fn distinctly notched between spinous and soft part; supramaxilla present (may be rudimentary); branched caudal-fn rays 12 to 15 (usually 18); maxilla scaly or naked >30 29b. Dorsal fin not notched between spinous and soft portions (except slightly notched in Baciytanias and Sacura); supramaxia absent; branched caudal-fn rays 1: maxila scaly . fete e eee e et ents settee teeter tte eee ee ee OST 30a. Lateraline scales 41 to 65; anal-fin rays 7 to 9; maxilla naked . - Hypoplectrodes 30b, Lateral-line scales 25 to 41; anal-fin rays 6 or 7; maxilla scaly ornaked ... wee ORD 31a, Total gill akers on fist gil arch 28 10 33; ascending process of premaxilla extending betwoen fonts; ant canines of fower jaw shor stout, and projecting obliquely outward . sss + Selenanthias 1b, Total gil rakers on fist gill arch 14 to 25; ascending process of| breaxiina extending between trontals; anterior canines not projecting obliquely outward. * PlectranthiasPoteiformes: Peroni: Serie 249 32a, Serrae at comer of preopercie distinctly enlarged; posterior soft rays of dorsal and anal fins distinctly shorter than anterior st ays, socond to fourth dosalin rays elongated in adults; thitd dorsalfin spine greatly elongated in males. . 2b. Serrae at comer of preopercle not distinctly enlarged: posterior soft dorsal- and analin rays not shorter than anterior soft rays, the second to fourth dorsal-fin rays notelongated . . . . > 33) Sacura 33a, Body deep, its depth 1.9 to 2.2 times in standard length; dorsal-tin rays 18 to 20; pectoraltin rays 13 0r 14 « Serranocirrhitus latus 3b. Body less deep, its depth 2.4 to 3.6 times in standard feng; dorsain rays 13 t0 18 pectorabfin rays 130 21. oat 34a, Pectoral-fin rays 16 to 21, middle rays, at least, branched; aterabline scales 97 to 64. . . Pseudanthias 4b, Pectoral-fin rays 1310 18, all unbranched; lateral-line scales 31 10.99. . « 35 382, Pecoraltin rays 18 lterasine scales 99; body dept 2.41025 tmesinslandar ena + Dactylanthias haplodactytus 35b. Pectoralin rays 19 to 17; laterabline scales 31 to 37; body ‘sens 2.6 0 3.6 times in standard length : » 36 860, Dorsal rays 19016; analin rays 6 or 7: lara scales 34 o $7; body elongate, its depth 3 10.3.6 times in standard length 360. Dorsatn rays 17: anak ray ator line seals 31 t0 38 Yoyo 261927 ies instandard length... - + = vee ves + Tosanoides flavofasciatus Tosana nieae Key to the species of Cephalopholis occurring in the area ‘a. Causal fr rounded; head length 2.2 to 2.7 times in standard length; colour patter not of alternating stripes of blue and orange-yellow 4b. Cauca fn vuncat fo slighty emarginte; head smal 2.71031 Umes in standard length head and body with alternating stripes of blue and orange-yellow; juveniles golden-yellow, with wavy purple stripes along dorsal part of head and body, black spot fon snout in front of eye and black maxillary streak... . « == « Cephalopholis polteni 2a. Body deep, its depth 2 to 2.4 times in standard length; body width 2.8 to 2.6 times in body depth: lateral ine strongly arched above pectoral fin; head and body red with yellow bars; ppelvie-fin tips black; juveniles with large black spot in dorsal fin... . « Cephalopholis igarashiensis, 2b. Body depth 2.3 to 3.2 times in standard length latral line not strongly arched above pectoral fin; colour not as above « : seeee 133 3a. Pelvic fins short, theit length 2.9 to 2.5 times in head length; pectoral-fin rays 15 or 16; dorsal-fin rays 14 analin rays 8; colour reddish brown with indistinct dark blotch basally ‘on pectoral fins +++ + + Cephalopholis aitha 3B. Pein ongth 1.5 23 times in head length; pectoral-fin ints 15020; dorsabtin rays 140 17; analtin rays 8 to 10; colour not as above a4 4a, Analfin rays usually 8; colour gonerally brown to dark brown . . see OS 4b. Analin rays 9 (aly 10) colout generally red, orange, ot yellow (oxceat argus and some C. uradera or C. sonnerati) « sees : cee >8 5a. Small dark spots or dark-edged pale blue spots on head and/or body... . . « - 5b. No small dark spots or blue ocelli on head or body2480 Bony Fishes 6a. Dorsal-in rays 14 10 16; lateral scale series 84 to 98; pectoral-fin length 1.4 10 1.5 times in head length; dark-edged blue spots only on head and anteriorly on body. . . Cephalopholis microprion 6b. Dorsal-tin rays 15 to 17; lateral scale series 92 to 106; pectoral-fin length 1.5 to 1.8 times in head eng; blue ocel on head, body, and basally on median fs; juvenos greenish grey, the median fins yellow . fete +++ +++ Cephalopholis cyanostigma 7a. Pectoral fins shor, their length 1.5 to 1.8 ies in head length; colour generally brown or yellowish brown, with dark biue lines on head, body, and fins; black spot between upper 2opercular spines. +++ + + Cephalopholis formosa 7b. Pectorabfn length 1.3 to 1.6 tmes in head length; body brown, wih 7 oF 8 rnore or fess distinct dark bars; fins dark brown, with a pale biue line at corners of caudal in. . Cephalopholis boenak 8a. Dorsal-fin rays 15 to 17; lower limb of first gill arch with 17 to 19 gil rakers: auxiliary scales present on body; colour dark brown, covered with small dark-edged blue cell; 5 0F 6 pale bars often visible on rear half of body . . « = Cephalopholis argus 8b. Dorsaln rays usualy 14 o 15; ower tb of fst gil arch with 13 016 gil rakers; no auxiliary scales on body scales; colour not as above... .... a9 Lateral-line scales 66 to 80; lateral scale series 115 to 134; pectoralfin rays 18 10 20; body depth 2.3 to 2.8 times in standard length; colour generally red to reddish brown (juveniles and some adults may be dark purple or brown) with widely scattered whitish Dlotches (Indian Ocean) or gonoraily brownish, covered with small dark red to reddish brown spots and irreguiar white blotches (Pacific) Cephalopholis sonnerati 8b, Latoral-ine scales 45 to 68; lateral scale series 79 0 121: pectoral finays 16t0 18; body depth 2.6 to 3.5 times in standard length; colour not as above :o10 10a. Lateral-line scales 54 to 68; caudal fn blackish red, the comers broadly red, each set off by an abquo white stipe; pectoral ns red, shading lo orange-yellow distally (Paci) or caudal and pectoral fins uniformly blackish (Indian Ocean) + Cephalopholis urodeta 10b. Laterabtine scales 45 to 56; colour not as above»... ee ee ee sO 11a, Lateral scale series 79 to 90; head length 2.2 to 2.4 times in standard length; dark brown Seat spol on caudal peduncle, olowed by a smal spt submargnal dark sveak at ‘corners of caudal fin. . . . . + + = Cephalopholis leopardus ‘Mb. Lateral scale series 90 10 121; head length 2,3 to 26 times in standard length; colour not as above fete seen tee wee cee 212 Head, body, and fins covered with small blue oceli : 2B No blue spots on head, body, or fins. wee au 13a. Body with 4 or 5 dark blotches along base of dorsal fin, a faint blotch on nape and 2 smaller ones on peduncle (blotches sometimes merging with or being raplaced by dark "0d vorical ars): most specimens wih dekcedgd Bue lines radiating fom eyes. i Cephalophoits sexmaculata 130. No dark blotches on body or bie ines radiating rom eyes - -. «~~.» Cephatophols miniata 14a, Edge of subopercle and interopercle distinctly serrate; pelvic fins usually reaching anus, thar engi 1.6 102 tes in head lengh colour generally orange-yelow o rarge-0d fr golden, with red to orange dots on head and dorsally on body « = Cephalopholis aurantia 14b, Subopercie and interopercle usually smooth (rarely with a few small serrae), pelvic fins not reaching anus, 19 to 2.2 times in head lng, colour pale reddsh orange, motod with dark red or brownish red... sv e+ + + + + « Cephatopholis spiloparaeaPerit Peri: Seranidae 24s Key to the species of Chelidoperca occurring in the area ‘a. Cauda in tuncate;introrbita roa naked: body redtsh orange, with 5 oblong back blotches along flanks hetdoperca plearspa 1b. Caudal fin emarginat:interorbital area scaly. see? 22. Scale rows fom dorsaln origin lateral ine 2 no sales on anterior ha of inteorital area... +++ Chelidoperca margaritifera 2b, Scale rows from dorsa-fin origin to lateral ine 4 or 5 interorbitl scales extend to tront ledge of eyes « t+ sess Chelidoperca hirundinacea Key to the species of Epinephelus occurring in the area 1a. Caudal fin of adults emarginate to truncate (slightly rounded on some F. bleekeri and juveniles, and convex if broadly spread in adults)... . . . « ‘1b. Caudal fin rounded (truncate on some E. fasciatus from Oceania) . . . 2a. Interspinous membranes of dorsal fin not incised (Fig. 14a)... 2b. Interspinous membranes of dorsal fin incised (Fig. 14b) . interspinous membranes of dorsal fin nt incised interspinous membranes of dorsal fin incised MEE 3a. Gill rakers elongate, no rudiments, 20 to 23 rakers on lower limb of first gill arch; dorsal-fin rays 17 to 19; colour purplish to brownish grey with yellowish brown dots on head and lengtuial brown tes on dorsal part of body (ines usualy lot on large adults) . etete eens n ences ees Epinephelus undulosus ab. Gill akers not olongato and rudiments often present, 13 to 18 rakors on lower limb of first gil arch; dorsal-in rays 18 to 17; colour not as above « sod 4a, Second dorsal-fin spine of adults elongated, its length 1.8 to 2.4 times in head length; total gill rakors on frst gil arch 20 to 23; body depth 2.7 to 3.2 times in standard length; Body reddish brown wih a white dot on each scale; broad dark red margin on spinous portion of dorsal fin. . . . . - Epinephelus irroratus 4b. Second dorsal-tin spine not elongate (third or fourth spines longest; total il rakers on fist gill arch 24 to 28; body depth 2.9 to 2.9 times in standard length... .. . « 1s 58. Body dark puplsh grey wit scattered ireguar whitish ltches: body depth 2.6 to 2 9 times in standard length... .... - + Epinephelus multinotatus ‘5b, Head, body, and tins bluish grey with numerous blackish dots; large adults with scattered itreguar blackish spots and blotches, most smaler tan pupi body depth 24 10 2.7 times in standard length . - Epinephelus cyanopodus 60, Latoral‘ine sales 48 to 4; head and toast ont of body with smal spots, oer yoow {pale in preservative) or brown. beeen OT 6, Lateral-iine scales 56 to 76; spots on head and body dark brown or absent. . 3102452 Bony Fishes 7a. Caudal fn truncate to slightly rounded; body depth 3.0 to 3.5 times in standard length; head, body, dorsal fin, and upper third of caudal fin with smal orange-yellow spots, the lower two-thirds of caudal fin dark grey; anal and paired fins dusky, without spots . . .. Epinephelus bleckeri 7b. Caudal in slightly emarginaie (truncate on some E. chlorostigma); body depth 2.7 to3.4 times in standard eng: spots on head, Body, and ne yellow or yalowish Brown to dark brown; anal fin with spots... .. 2. ++ « > 8a, Head and front of body with small round well-separated bright yellow spots (pale in preservative}; distal margin of caudal, sott dorsal, and anal fins with close-set, dark, yellowish brown SPOS... ee ee ete eee eee eee e etree ees Epinephelus timorensis 8b, Head, body, and fins covered with smal close-set, yellowish brown to dark brown spots (Gark in preservative) . . . rr) 9a. Dorsal-fin rays 15 to 17; anal fin of adults rounded to slightly angular, the longest soft ray 2.0 to 2.6 times in head length; 14 to 16 gill rakers on lower limb of first gil arch; pyloric ‘caeca 11 to 17; dark spots on body of adults about equal to pupil... . . . Epinephelus areolatus 9b. Dorsal-fin rays 16 to 18; anal fin of adults angular or pointed, the longest soft ray 1.9 to 2.3 times in head length; 15 to 18 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch; pyloric caeca 26 to 82; dark spots on body of adults distinctly smaller than pupil. . . . . Epinephelus chlorostigma 10a, Analfin rays 9 or 10 (rarely 8); 1 to 4 small spines often present on ventral edge of Breoperce near comer, drsal-fn rays 14 016, rearnostisof adits 204 times larger than anterior nostriis Epinephelus ergastularius 40b.Anal-tin rays 8; no spines on lower edge of preopece dorsattin rays 141017; rear nostrils not enlarged (except F. darwinensis) .oul ‘1a, Caudal fin truncate to slightly convex; rear nosttls and anterior nostrils subequal; ectoral-in rays 19 oF 20; depth of caudal peduncle 3.2 to 3.8 times in head length; no scales on maxilla; margin of spinous dorsal-fin membranes dark red to black . . Epinephelus retouti 11b. Caudal fin sightly emarginate; rear nostrils of adults more than twice diameter of anterior nostis; pectoral-fin rays 18; depth of caudal peduncle 3.9 times in head length; maxilla with ‘small scales; no conspicuous markings on head, body or spinous dorsal fin. . Epinephelus darwinensis 12a, Anal-fin ays 9 (rarely 10); body with § dark bars below dorsal fin, the last 2 bars as broad {as preceding bars; 2 pale interspaces below soft dorsal fin. .... . . . Epinephelus octofasciatus 12b. Anal-fin rays 8 (rarely 7 oF 9); colour not as above. . SB 18a, Dorsal-fin rays 121014... . fee eee eee eee OM 49, Dorsalfn ays 1410 18 (rarely 19.n E: branecus) LOIS "4, Latrasine sales 5; lateral body scales rough ear nostlswic a large a¢ atari nostrils; no obvious dark or light markings . Epinephelus perplexus (1 Spoeimen, 46.5 cmt siandard length, from Queensland, Australia) 14b, Lateral-tine scales 56 to 65; latoral body scalos smooth; rear nostrils and anterior nostrils subequal: juveniles with 2 broad, longitudinal, black-edged whitish bands that disappear in adults, tho dark edges breaking into dashes and spots, which may be lost in large adults. . : Epinephetus latifasciatus 16a, Lateral-ine scales with branched tubules: eye small, its diameter about 1/8 head length for ‘specimens of 20 cm length, about 1/9 head length at 35 cm, and 1/13 head iength at 145 cm standard length; interorbital wide, the width more than 1/5 head length for specimens of 23, to 153 om standard length; maximum length about 270 om; juveniles yellow. with 3 broad black bars on body and irregular biack bands onhead . . « t+ ++. Epinephelus lanceotatus 15b.Lateraline scales with single tubule (except anterior scales of large F. brumeus, E. coivides, and £. malabaricus); eye diameter more than 1/7 head length for specimens ‘of 20 cm length, and more than 1/8 head lenath at 35 cm: interorbital with loss than 1/5, head nth for specimen of 23 o 159 em length; maximum lengih less than 150 cm (except £ akua, which may reach 200 em). >I6Porifrmes:Pesoidei Serranidae 2453 16a, Head and body mostly covered with small dark pots (orange, russe, brow, or Back in lite and porsist in preservative) >I7 16b.No distinct dark spots over most of head and body (yellow or orange spots may be presenti fe, but thee usualy donot persist in alcohol o there maybe some dark dots ‘oF scattered small dark spots, but not over most of head and body) ~ 40 17a, Lateratlino scales 46 10 53 : 17. Lateraline scales 55 to 74 (except E,fiscoxutatus wih 52 10 88)... 18 Milateral body scales smooth, atleast on adults (may be rough in area covered by pectoral fins) 186. Midlatoral body scales rough (mostly smooth on aduks of socials) .o19 2322 19a, Dorsal profilo of head nearly straight; orange-red to brownish red spots on head, body, land median and pelvic fins; 3 or 4 prominent black spots or blotches dorsally on body, the first (and largest, greater than eye diameter) at base of middle of dorsal fin, the last blotch dorsal on caudal pedunce no lacish maxillary steak (PI. I 48). vee. Epinephelus trimaculatus ‘apa, Korea’ China, Taiwan Province of China: not yet recorded from the area) 19b. Dorsal profile of head convex: spots on head, body. and fins dark brovin to black; black blotches on body al base of dorsal tn presen or absent blackish maxilary streak usualy present tee sete veteee 0 200, Dotsalin rays 16 to 18: dark spots on pectoral tins progressively smaller dtl pelvic-in length 2.2 to 2.6 times in head length - Epinephelus faveatus 20. Dorsabfn rays 15 to 17; no dark spots on distal pat of pectoral fins: pelvic fins 1.9023, times in head length (for specimens of 10 to 25 cm standard length) .. 920 21a. Eye-sized blackish blotch at base of last 3 dorsal-fin spines; dark spots on head, body. ‘and fins numerous, 15 10 20 on soft dorsal fin of specimens 10 cm standard length, and 25 to 30 on sott dorsal fin of 28 cm specimens; total gill akers on first gil arch 23 to 26 (modally 25): body width 1.7 to 2.2 times in body depth; jaws subequal . . . . Epinephelus howlandi 21b. No large blackish biotch at base of posterior dorsalfin spines (though 1 to 3 spots at this location are usually darker than adjacent spots); dark spots on head, body, and fins less ‘numerous, & to 7 on soft dorsal fin of 11 cm specimens, and 20 or 21 on soft dorsal fin 629 em specimens; toa il rakers on fist gil arch 21 fo 24 (modaly 29); Bogy with {Fo atmos in bedy dost: lower jaw stiongly proeetng = = «- Epinephelus macrospitos 22a. Dark spots on body elongate, blque, and more on rumorous postoriy: dark pots on lead separates oo bylmore than 2 spot diameters: ventral edge of maxilia of subadults (88 to 0 om standard lenth) satel edge ———>\_ miata se hat devtops mo aDony koa sahara adults (Fig. 15a) - Epinephelus longispinis: 22b. Dark spats on body not elongate and not more nu merous posteriorly; dark spots on head separated by less than a spot diameter (except £. hontoides); no distinct siep on ventral edge of maxilla (Fig. 15b) . . . . . > 23 no"stap"on ‘eral edge — ig. 15 left maxillaBas 23a, 2b. 24a, 24b. 25a, 25b. 26a, 26b. ara. 2b. 29. — — Bony Fishes Pectoral fins large, thelr length 1.2 to 1.6 times in head length (except specimens from Northwast Australia) dorsalfin rays 18 to 18; serrae at comer of preopercle distinelly enlarged (Fig. 16a);"2 oblique dark brown bands (er elongate dark biotches linked by narrow bands) on chest feetectte nents s ss « Epinephelus quoyanus \ Poctoralfin length 1.5 to 2 tes in head serac at comer of preperle sea a ore of predperce length; dorsai-in rays 14 to 17; serrae at isin cna Signy etre preopercle corner slightly enlarged » (Fig. 16b); no oblique dark bands on chest... . > 24 ” Fig. 16. J Lateral scale series 82 to 86; pectoral rays 18 oF 19; total gill rakers on first gil arch 20 to 22; head and body with small dark spots separated by spaces greater than 2 spot diameters; no dark spots on ventral parts of head and body; caudal, soft dorsal, and pectoral fins blackish brown with a pale yellow to white margin ...... . . Epinephelus bontoides Lateral scale series 92 to 120; pactoral-fin rays 16 to 19; total gill rakers on first gil arch 23 to 27 (except F. merra with 21 to 25); dark spots on head and body extending Ventraly, and most within a spot diameter of adjacent spots; ins not dark brown to black with a distinct pale margin... ss. eve senses - eee e e925 Dorsalfin rays 14 or 15; length of longest dorsal-in spines 2.7 to 9.3 times in head length: black saddie-biotch on caudal peduncle; head and body covered by small dark brown or orange-brown spots; head and dorsal part of body with ireegular dark brown blotches superimposed over the dark spots... . . 2 sv - - Epinephelus polyphekadion Dorsal-fin rays 15 to 18; longest dotsal-fin spines 2.1 to 2.7 times in head length (except E, merra, 2.6 10 2.9 times in head length). colour not as above (especially, no black saddle on caudal peduncle) . . eee . - 326 Dark spots on head and body about 1/2 size of pupil, dark brown to black spots on fins (except spinous dorsal fin) much larger than those on body; maxilla not reaching vertical at rear edge of eye : feeteeeeee wee ees Epinephelus miliaris Dark spots on body larger than pupil and larger than spots on fins; maxila usually reaching to or past vertical at rear edge of eyes. . «+ settee tener eens BOT Pectoral-fin rays 16 to 18; length of longest dorsal-in spine 2.4 to 3.2 tines in head length; some dark brown spots on body often joined to form short bands; pectoral fins with small black spots largely confined tofin rays... 2.2.2 .eeeeee +s Epinephelus merra Pectoral-in rays 17 to 19; longest dorsal-fin spine 2.1 to 2.6 times in head length: no Confluent dark spots on body; dark spots on pectoral fins not uniformly small and not confined to fin rays. : sieeee se 928 Dorsal-fin rays 17 or 18; lateral scale series 94 to 102; 3 close-set pairs of dark brown to black spots on body at base of dorsal fin. . . . - + + Epinephelus bilobatus 9. Dorsal rays 15 to 17; lateral scale series 102 to 120: no pairs of dark brown to black ‘spots along base of dorsal fin; 2 large dusky to blackish areas on body and dorsal fin, these separated by a broad whitish (though stil fainty spotted) area. . . . . Epinephelus maculatus Dorsal-fin rays 17; pectoral-in rays 20: latera-tine scales 79; body broadly marbled with brown and finely spotted with dark brown... ++... +... ... « Epinephelus lebretonianus (known only from 1 specimen, 24.8 cu standard length; locality unkown, but ptobably Indo-Pacific) Dorsal-in rays 13 to 17 (only E. corallicola rarely with 17); pectoral-fin rays 17 to 20: lateral-ine scales less than 71 (except Etauvina) . . . : 230Peweiformes: Percoidl:Serranide 2455 30, Most dark spots on body polygonal and close-st, separated on by pale ines (oming a reticulum) or white dots; midlateral body scales rough vee. 3 30b. Most dark spots on body round ot oblong and well separated (except posteriorly on F socials wee spots may be conuent to form regular dark stipes): milaoral body scales rough or smooth... . cee 933 31a, Second anal-fin spine 2.1 to 2.3 times in head length; longest dorsal-fin spine 2.5 to 2.8 times in head length; dorsal-in rays 15 to 17; polygonal dark spots on body separated Iain by white dots at corners of spos; elongate yellow-brown Boich behing aye or on opercie . . . . + + + « Epinephelus hexagonatus 31b. Second analtin spine 2:4 to 3,7 times in head length, longest dorsal-fin spine 28 to 3.8 times n nea eng; dren rays 14 to 18 dark spts on body Seperate by network (of pale lines; no yellow-brown blotch behind eye or on opercle « -332 82a. A single black blotch on body at base af posterior dorsal-fin spines and extending onto fin about hatf-vay to margin: dark spots at front of upper lip in 1 oF 2 irregular horizontal ows; caudal peduncle depth 3.2 t03.7 limes in head length . . . . . . . Epinephelus melanostigma 82. Three or 4 black blotches (or groups of spots darker than others) at base of dorsal fin ‘and 1 on top of peduncle; biotch at base of rear dorsal-fin spinos not extending halt-way ton margin smal cack gpots n 9 of 4 regular rows along font of upper ip, caudal peduncle depth 3.7 to 4.3 times in head length + Epinephelus spilotoceps 33a, Dorsal-fn rays 13 to 15; total gil rakers on first gil arch 29 to 31; laeral-ine scales 53 to 58; body depth 2.6 to 2.9 times in standard length; head and body pale yellowish brown, with irregular dark brown blotches and numerous small close-set dark brown pos; black saddle spot on caudal pedunce; milateral body sales of adits smth cesses. + « Epinephelus fuscoguttatus 39, Dorsalsn rays 14 to 17; total gil rakers on fst gil arch 22 to 29: lator line scales 63 to 74; body depth 2.7 to 3.7 times in standard length; colour not as above; milateral body scales rough (except iarge £. tauvina which have mainly smooth scales)... ... +. .—>34 34a, Irregular black spots (less than 1/2 pupil size) on head, body, dorsal fin, and a few on caudal fin; no spots on ventral parts of head or body or on anal and paired fins: no auxiliary scales; maxilla not reaching past vertical at rear edge of eye . . . Epinephelus magniscuttis 3b, Colour not as above; auilry scales present on body scales of adults; maxila usualy reaching past vertical at rear edge of eye . . . 2935 Dorsal-tin rays 15 to 17; rear nostrils (at standard length greater than 14 cm) vertically elongate, their length 2 to 3 times diameter of anterior nostris; pectoral-in length 1.5 10 4.7 times in head length; lateral scale series 88 to 109; grey, with well-separated black spots smaller than pupil on head, body and fins; 3 dusky to blackish blotches on body at base of rear haif of dorsal fin, he largest at base of last 2 or 3 spines; dusky to blackish Saddle spot on caudal peduncle; juvenles wih blackediged whnte spots on nead and body . - Epinephelus corallicola 35b. Dorsal-tin rays 13 10 16; rear nosis not vertically elongate or more than twice diameter af antgor nests; petoratn length 1.6 02.8 tmes in head length; ata scale series 95 to 130; colour not as above settee > 36 36a. Lateral-ine scales 54 to 65, the anterior scales of large adults with branched tubules; umerous small bony platelets on side of first gill arch; body with 6 irregular dark bars whlch tend to bifureate ventrally (bars may be faint o rokon into sores of 2 or 3 large blotches). ren se 937 £38. Latoralsine scales 62 1 74, none with branched tubules; no smal bony platelets on sige of frst gill arch; dark bars not present on body (or only faintly on E: tauving)... sv. +. +++ 9382156 Bony Fishes 37a, Head and body with numerous small well-separated black spots (largest spots about 2 mos larger han rear nosis) regular who or pal spts or biotches usualy present ‘on head and body . weve sees «Epinephelus matabaricus 37. Head, body, and usually median fins wih numerous orange, brownish orange or tedsh brown spots (orange spots turn brown after death and poorly defined on preserved . ‘specimens; spots about 4 or § times larger than rear nostrils): no white or pale spots on. head or body; orange spots become poorly defined and darker with growth: spots on head atten coalesce ard become elongated, arranged in regular rows radiating fom ‘eye; fins brownish, with proximal parts spotted : vere s+ Epinephelus coivides 38a. Body with several large round or oval dark brown spots, arranged in 5 or 6 subvertcal ‘series; head and fins with smaller dark brown spots and iregular dark streaks; lateral scale Series 113 to 130; maximum total lengtn 200 cm Epinephelus tukula £38. Colour not as above: lateral scale series 95 to 112; maximum ttaliength 80cm... v + «939 39a. Head length 2.1 to 2.4 times in standard length; head, body, and fins with orange-red to dark brown spots (thase on body nearly as large as eye in young, about pupil size in large specimens; spots usually absent in outer part of pectoral fins of adults); body often with faint oblique dark bars; blackish blotch offen present at base of last 4 dorsal-fin spines and extending onto lower part of fin (more evident in young) . . - Epinephelus tauvina 390. Head length 2.4 o 2.7 times in standard length; head and body with blackish brown spots much smaller than pupil, those posteriorly on body often coalescing to form irregular Stripes; 4 blackish blotches often present at base of dorsal fin and 1 on caudal peduncle; ‘caudal, dorsal, and anal fins with small white spots and white margins. . . . . Epinephelus socialis 40a, Membranes of spinous dorsal fin usually not incised (some specimens with membranes slightly to moderately incised); head and body dark brown or greenish brown, marbled with itegular pale spots and blotches; 1 or 2 faint dark streaks running posteriorly trom ‘eye; no dark spots on head, body or fins... 2.222 2s cece eee ee Epinephelus erythrurus 40b. Intetspinous dorsal-fin membranes moderately to deeply incised; colour not as above ol 41a, Body palo grayish brown, with 5 dark bars; a narrow pale bar may be present within dark bars, nearly dividing them in 2: fins greyish. the median fins with several small dark spots; 130 15 gil rakers on lower limb of first gil arch « Epinephelus sexfasciatus 41b. Colour not as above; 14 to 19 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch... eee OR 42a. Head, body, and median fins uniform dark grey: pectoral fins pale, pelvic fins blackish; Bory dept equal head lengh, 24 tes i sandard length lateral scales 67 to 69; dorsal-tin rays 16 0° 17 . : = = - - Epinephetus trophis, {2 specimens faken off Western Ausiealiain-a depth of 130m) 42b, Colour not as above; bady depth less than head length, 2.5 to 3.6 times in standard length; lateral-line scales 48 to 72; dorsal-fin rays 1310 18 . >43 43a, Body pale, with close-set wavy, brown or brownish orange stripes, the intervening pale lines forming a maze-Ike pattern; head greyish brown with numerous small close-set brownish orange spots; dorsal‘n rays 15 1017; body dopth 2.5 102.9 times in standard length; interorbital space convex. « Epinephelus undulatostriatus 496, Colour not as above dorsa-in rays 13 W018: : body seat 2.6 t0 36 times in standard length . 244 440, Dorsal-n rays. 15 0 18 (ely 18); body usualy with vertical or sighty oblque broad dark bars (faint or absent on some species) - 4s 4b. Dorsahn rays 13 to 16 (rarely 16); body without dark vertical bars (except juvenile E runcus and E. dacmelit which have dark oblique bars containing pale spots and SEAS) oo eevee ee cece eee e este tet teen eens 333Perifomes: Peco Serranidae 24st 45a. Head, body, and fins tan dorsally; belly and rear part of body whiltsh ventrally: chest and Ventral part of head reddish orange: dark orange-brown to black dots (less than 2 mm diameter) on head (behind eye) and body (anteriorly); body with § faint, oblique, dark bars (midlateral part of each bar may be darker, representing a series of squarish dark blotches continued from the dark band running from eye to end of operculum) soft dorsal and caudal fins with narrow dark brown margin; dark line along base of soft dorsal fin; lateral-line scales 481081... seseeeereeeeeeee Epinephelus stictus 45b. No dark brown to black dots on body or head (some species with black spots, but these are larger than 2 mm); 48 to 75 lateral-line scales . . « 346 46a, Margin of interspinous dorsal-fin membranes black (red in specimens trom Western Ausiralia and deep water); edge of orbit (around eye) narrowiy biack, surrounded by pale blue ine; body usualy wih fan dark bars oft containing ireguay pale spots « Epinephelus fasciatus 4b. Margin of spinous dorsal fin not black; rim of orbit not black; dark bars on body present or absent ette teen teeteeeee . vee ee OM 47a, Nape and front of body above lateral line with minute cycloid scales and numerous pores; body scales with a whitish dot (may be fost in alcohol); semicircular dark red to reddish brown bltch at bas of pectoral fn; dark pigmentin groove along base of spinous dorsal fin; usually some violet lines and spots on cheek . . . . . « Epinephelus rivulatus 47. Nape and dorsoanterior part of body without minute scales and numerous pores; colour Notas above. sw eevee ee = nee : > 4 48a. Comer of preopercie with 1 to 6 large spines (2 or 3 times longer than serrae | above comer) (Fig. 17a); dark bars on body vertical or nearty vertical - 350 48b. Serrae at corner of preopercie only slighty to moderately enlarged (Fig. 170): dark { \ Bers on Bod btave (may Be fant or ab- seni)» a0 rc sere a comer afro Hm Lgespmes "only sgh elas 49a, Head larg, ils length 2.1 to 24 times in 2 rea standard length; adults with 4 dark brown bars on body and brown bands on head; small black spots on edges of brown bars and bands; no dark spots on fins; juveniles with black bars on body and small black spots on fins; 14 to 16 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch + +++ + Epinephelus amblycephalus 49b. Head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length; 4 dark bars (sometimes faint or absent) ‘on dorsal part of body; head and body with numerous small yellow spots (but no black spats); body and median fins also with pale grey spots; rear margin of median fins with fa broad yollow border; 16 to 18 gill rakers on lower limb of frst gil arch . . . . . Epinephelus awoara 50a, Head and body brownish grey, covered (except ventrally) with red, orange, or gold spots (Gale in alcohol); dorsal-fin margin yellow or orange; dusky yellow or orange spots (1 per membrane) along middle of spinous dorsal fin and another row along base of fin; black blotch at base of last $ dorsal-fin spines . covers ss Eninephelas ahaara '50b. Colour not as above Lost 51a, Head and body with numerous small dark brown, brownish yellow, or russet spots (dark in aleohol); body usually with 5 broad dark bars, the first 4 extend onto dorsal fn (ist 2 bats darker dorsally extending to margin of dorsal fn), the last baron caudal peduncle wane Epinephelus fasciatomaculosus 1952 51b, Colour not as above .2458 52a, 52b. 53a, 3b, 54a, 54b, 55a, 55b. 56a, 56, 57a, 87. 58a, 58b. Bony Fishes Head, body, and dorsal fin dark brownish grey, with numerous small white spots and blotches; on adults (larger than 30 cm standard length) most white spots on the body are ‘coalesced, forming wavy pale lines and mottiings; a few dark blotches usually visible on Body at base of corel fn, milteral part of lower jaw with & to 5 rows of small teeth. - Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus ody with 7 or 8 horizontal stipes of greenish brown and yellow-orange, dorsal part of head and snout dark green; cheek pale green (colour trom Valenciennes, 1830); tmidlateral pact of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth; dorsal-fin rays 17; body depth 3.4 times, in standard length; lateral-tine scales 52 to 54; first gill arch with'8 gil rakers on upper limb, 15 on lower limb . . Epinephelus chlorocephalus (ison oniy ram I specimen, 17 cm standard length, from Tonga felands) Body of juveniles with oblique dark bars and pale spots; body elongate, its depth distinct las than head length, 291 3.6 times in standard length; ateraHine scales 63 to72. No dark bars on juveniles or aduts; = Boay depth 266 to 3.9 times in standard dena lateral-line scales 48 to 72. 84 : settee - 955 AA black saddle-blotch on caudal peduncle; numerous small white spots on head and body; body scales smooth (except area covered by pectoral fins), with auxiliary scales; adults often uniformly dark brown or black, the underside of head pale. . . . . Epinephelus daemeli NNo black saddle-blotch on peduncle; white streaks and dark bands radiating from eye, but no small white spots on head or body (pale blotches may be present, especially within dark body bars); midlateral body seales rough, without auxiliary scales: adults (larger than 50 cm) dark greyish brown, the bars and bands replaced by faint dorsal blotches or absent altogether, the body covered with small pale Arey spots forming short horizontal ines and a mottied pattern . ‘Serrae at comer of preopercio slightly to ‘moderately enlarges (Fig. 18a); midlateral part of lower jaw with 3 to 5 rows of teeth In adults; lateral-line scales 48 to 55; body scales with auxiliary scales; colour pattern ‘of white dots, spots, or blotches... . . 956 Preopercle comer with 2 to 5 distinctly enlarged serrae (Fig. 18b); midside of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth in adults; lateraline scales 52 to 72; no auxiliary seme at come of prpiele_ corner of peopel with 25 scales on body scales; colour pattern not slighty enared “istincty enlarged setae asabove .. . vette eee 357 a Fig ts ) Lateral scale series 81 to 91; snout length 4.8 to 5.2 times in head length: head, body, and fins dark brown with numerous whitish dots (may not persist in preservative); rear ‘margin of median and pectoral fins narrowly orange-red . = + + + Epinephelus polystigma Lateral scale series 95 to 110; snout length 4.0 to 4.8 times in head length; head, body, and fins dark grey-brown with numerous small whitish spots and scattered large whitish biotches; small white spots of adults tend to coalesce to form iregular horizontal stripes see an a vee se sess Epinephelus ongus Lateral scale series 89 to 100; total gil rakers on fist gill arch 21 to 25; no dark or light ‘markings on body; yellowish brown stripe from eye to opercular flap and 2 similar bands fon cheek, the lower runs posteriorly rom end of maxilla. « Epinephelus heniochus Lateral scale series 10210125‘ lakers on st i arch 25 28 bony wih dark brown bands andlor spots. . : O58 Body it ong curve dark brown ands or sre of spots, he mile ofeach band or row of spots more ventral than the ends . see OSD Dark markings not as above . . . . 160Percide: Seranidae 2459 59a. Large oval dark brown blotch (or group of small spots on larger specimens) on body at base of middlo dorsal-fin spines, this blotch not joined to lower dark bands; broadly- curved dark bands or rows of spots on head and body paralleling curvature of isolated ‘dark bloteh; dark markings faint or absent on large adults ....... . . Epinephelus poecilonotus '59b. Dark brown biotch on body al base of middle dorsal-fin spines joined to dark brown band passing to Upper edge of operculum: a second dark band from upper end of gill opening, bifurcating above pectoral fin, with branches to anterior and posterior dorsal-fin rays; 2 bands from eye, the upper branch to nape, the lower a broad curve or broken line to upper part of caudal peduncle . . . . wees + Epinephelus morrhua 60a. Head and body pale brownish or greenish grey, with small, brownish black spots on dorsolateral part of body and sometimes on rear part of head and median fins, body depth 3.0 to 3.3 times in standard length : - Epinephelus epistictus 0b, Head and body wih nticate pate of regular dark tines, ‘901, and blotches; body depth 2.6 to 3.0 times in standard length 61a. Five irregular dark brown bands (with age only the edges remain dark) passing down- ward and forward from dorsal surface of body, the firs from nape to eye, the second band from middle dorsal-in spines to upper end of gill opening, third and fourth bands from Geol‘ ray, branching as they pass ventral, the fh Band on caudal podunc : cesses Epinephelus radiatus 61b. Dark markings on postorbital head and body forming a coarse broken reticulum, none passing downward and forward from dorsal surface of body... . . . . . Epinephelus tuamotuensis Key to the species of Holanthias occurring In the area ‘a. Dorsal rays 19 of 14 leteraline scales 20 to 9; thd doreaitn spine elongate in adult males; rear part of body with small silvery spols . 1b. Dorsalfin rays 15 to 18: latral-line scales 36 to 43; thie dorsal fin spine not elongates no silvery spots on rear part of body - . Body depth 2.0 to 2.3 times in standard length; dorsal-fn rays 17 or 18; lateral-ine scales 839 43 body pink wit age yolow to dark brown bloches (most ger than ey) +: Holanthias borbonius 2b. Body depth 2.2 to 2.45 times in standard length: dorsat-tin cas 15 to 17; latera-tine scales 36 to 41; no large blotches on body « . 23 Caudal-fin lobes 1.3 to 1.6 times in standard length; total gil akers on first gill arch 42 1047; scales on top of head extending in front of nostrils; dorsal fin lavender, with yellow submarginal line in spinous part and yellow filamentous soft rays . . ~ Holanthias tapui Bb, Caudal-fin lobes 2.1 to 3.0 times in standard length; total gl rakers on frst gil arch 39 t04{; no scales in font of nostrils; dorsal fn yalom, except fr magenta spings and ray tips and purple spots in soft portion... . « : + + + + Holanthias chrysostictus 4a. Dorsal-fin rays 14; lateral-ine scales 35 to 39; no black and white bars at base of caudal vee = Holanthias unimaculatus 4b, Dorsalfn rays 13; lateralsline scales 20 1032; curved dark brown bar preceded by white boar at base of caudal fin . weteee ses e ++ Holanthias rhodopeplus Key to the species of Hypoplectrodes occurring in the area ‘1a. Body with 6 narrow, dark brown vertical bars, the last2 on caudal peduncle; 2 similar bands ‘rom eye to eye over the nape; dorsal-fin rays 17 to 19; analfin rays 7. . . « Hypoplectrodes annulatus ‘4b. No narrow dark bars on body; dorsal-fin rays 17 to 21; anal-in rays 7109... « so 2a. Body covered with close-set dark brown blotches; lateral-ine scales 38 to 42; dorsal-fin rays 17 to 19 ‘Hypoplectrodes jamesoni 2b. Body pale pink to brownish ree, wih 5 broad dark saddle-botches at base of dorsal tn: laterals scales 45 to 49; dorsal-fin rays 19 to 21 = Hypoplectrodes maccullochiKey to the species of Liopropoma occurring in the area 1a, Dorsal tn continuous (hough it may be deeply noted, al spines and soft rays are connected above their bases by membranes)... « 1b. Dorsal fin divided into separate spinous and sottayed tins « -32 sos 2a. First gill arch with 8 gil rakers on upper limb, and on tower limb 19 or 20 (only 2 rudiments); pectoral-fin rays 14; dorsal-fin rays 11 or 12; caudal fin truncate to slightly rounded; no scales on front of snout or on preorbital: head and body with 6 or 7 broad dark stripes; prominent dark cellus in soft dorsal and anal fins. Liopropoma swatesi 2b. First gil arch with 5 to 7 gil rakers on upper limb, and on lower limb 11 to 16 (including 90 12 rudiments); pectoral-fin rays 14 to 16; dorsal-fin rays 12 to 14; caudal fin slightly to deeply emarginate; head covered with scales; no dark stripes on body; no ocelin fins 33 3a, Last dorsal-fin spine shorter than sixth and seventh spines; caudal fin with broadly founded comers anterior nest tube not reaching ls: ana rays 8; pectrabn rays WOT eee cece testcase eee tee + Liopropoma erythraewm ab. Last (eighth) dorsa-fin spine longor than sixth and seventh spines; caudal fin comers pointed; anterior nostil tube overlaps upper lip: anal-fin rays 8; pectorab-fin rays 14 or 15 Lod 4a. Body with scattered smal dark brown spots (oftn semicircular; caudal concaviy & of 5 times in head length: pectoral-in rays 15. - Liopropoma lunulatum 4b. No dark spots on boty: caudal concaviy 12 oF 13 times in head eng poctoralfin rays 14 - Liopropoma incomptum Sa. Head and body with 4 to 8 dark brown longitudinal stipes ne OO 5b. No dark longitudinal stipes on head and body... . . . « « a? 6a. Body with 6 to 8 dark stripes; pectoral-fin rays 18 0r 16. . « Liopropoma susumi 6b. Body with 4 or 5 datk stripes: pectoral-tin rays 14 0r 15... Liopropoma coltetei 7a. Pectoralin rays 15 or 16; no enlarged pore in front of rear nostrils; body reddish grey-brown anteriorly, dusky or brownish orange-red posteriorly, with faint brownish Orange lines along scale rows . eee sees + Liopropoma pallidum 7. Pectoralin rays 130 15; 1 oF 2 enlarged pores infront of each rear nostri; colour not as above ve cee a vee OB 8a, Two to 10 small pores in a group on each side of anterior interorbital space; scales rarely extend dorsally on snout more than half-way from rear nostrils to upper lip; body red 10 brownish red, often with faint lines following scale rows: yellow stripe from front of snout to eye, another between eyes, and 1 to 3 running posteriorly from eye. . . . Liopropoma mitratum 8b. A pair of large pores, 1 on each side of interorbital space on a vertical through anterior {go of pup scales dorsal on snout extend more than halfway from rear nti to upper lip tees on) 80. Head body, and tins immaculato yollow; pele tins shor. 22% of standard engin and 4.75 times in head length - + + + - Liopropoma flavidum 8b. Colour not ental yellow: pve tins 28 16 26% of standard rd fength, 14 to 1.7 tes in head length . >10 10a. Body with 2 red bands separated by midlateral white stripe from head to caudal fin; body depth 3.5 to 3.7 times in standard length... . . - : ‘Liopropoma tonstrinum 10b. Body dusky yellow with red lines following scale rows; caudal peduncle reddish, with midiateral white stripe; body depth 3.0 to 3.5 times in standard length... Liepropoma muttilineatumcites: Perel Sra Key to the species of Luzonichthys occurring in the area Ya. Analfin rays with II spines and 9 soft rays; pectoral-in rays 21 to 23; lateral-ine scales 70 to 78; body elongate, its depth 4.2 to 5.3 times in standard length; some scales on head and dorsoanterior part of body with enlarged ctenil; body lavender-pink with a dark-edged orange-yellow stripe between lateral line and dorsal-fin base. . . Luconichahys williamsi 4b. Anal fin with III spines and 7 soft rays; poctoral-fin rays 17 to 22; lateral-tine scales 51 to 74; ody dopih 3.2 t0 50 tes in standard longh; seal etn not enlarged: ro dark-edged orange-yellow stripe on back .32 2a. Lateral-ine scales 65 to 74; pectoral-fin rays usually 21 or 22; body depth 4.2 to 5.0 times In standard length; upper thr of body yellow or crange-eliow, the lower twotheds lavender-pink . «= Lugonichthys whideyt 2b. Latoraliine scales 51 to 68; pectoral-in rays 17 to 20 body Seph 9210411 times in standard length; colour not as above . . . « os 3a, Pectoral-fin rays modally 20; lateral-line scales §9 to 68; caudal fin lunate, the caudal concavity 6.1 fo 7.2 times in standard length; scales dorsal on snout nol extending in front of nostrils. : = Luzonichthys earlei 3b, Pectoralin rays modally 19; lateral-lino scales 51 10 60; caudaltin lobes elongate, the caudal concavity 4.010 86 times in standard length; scales dorsly on snout extending infront of anterior nostrils... « : a4 42. Caudal peduncle depth 2.4 to 2.5 times in head length; snout length 3.7 to 4.1 in head length: pectoraltin length 3.2 t0 3.4 and pelvic-fin length 3.7 to 4.7 times in standard length rst arch with 710 10 gil rakers on upper mb, 200 22 on ower tb no near colour pattern... « : = + « Luconichthys waite’ 4b. Caudal peduncte depth 2. to 27 times in head length; snout length 4.2 to 4.4 in head lenath; pectoral-fin length 3.5 to 3.7 and pelvic-in length 4.6 to 4.9 times in standard length: frst gill arch with 7 gill rakers on upper limb, 10 on lower limb; orange and pale yellow stripes on front of body... ev vv ee tee + + Luconichthys taeniatus Key to the species of Plectranthias occurring in the area ‘1a, Some pectoral-in rays branched; lateral ine complete. cece eee eee PD ‘1b. No pectoral-fin rays branched; lateral line complete or incomplete... +22 eevee US Head, including maxilla and chin, covered with scales... . . sees Had not completely scaly (most of snout, chi, and maxilla naked). : sod a. Caudal fin rounded or truncate with rounded comers; no dorsal-fin rays elongated; no canine teeth in lower jaw: 10 1 12 gil akers on lower ib of ist gil arch; head and body nearly uniform light red. + + + Plectranthias japonicus 2B. Caudal fn sightly emarinate, the second upper ray usualy elongate; second dorsaltn ray elongate; 2 stout canine teeth at front of lower jaw and another pair on side of jaw; 14'o 17 gil akers on lowe nb of fst gl arch; dark rea bars on body anda smal ec spot on upper basal part of caudal fin. eee ee ee - Plectranthias kelloggi 4a. Body dopth 3.4 times in standard length; eye diameter 2.9 times in head length; no canine teeth: preopercle smooth; colour mainly yellow - Pleetranthias megalophthalmus 4b, Body depth 22 to 2.2 times in standard length eye diameter 3.0 to 4.6 in head length canine teeth present preoperce serrate and lower margin wth 2anrose spines; clout (when known) not mainly yellow. ee a tees 2s242 5a, 5b. 6b. 7a, 7b. 8b. 9b. 102. 10b, Ma. 1b. 12a, 12b. 13a. tab. 14a. 14, 15a, 15b. Bony Fishes Dorsalfin rays 14 of 15; fourth or fith dorsal-fin spines longest : 6 Dorsalfin rays 16 to 18; third or fourth dorsalin spine longest . 8 Dorsalfin rays 14; preopercle edge smooth; maxilla scaly... . . - + Plectranthias lasti Dorsal-fn rays 15; preopercle edge serrate; maxilla scaly or naked... . we OT Lateral-line scales 23: maxila and lower jaw naked; pectoral-fin rays 14; body pink, with orange-red bas blow dorsal tn, a Y-shaped orange-red baron nape, and 7 ed pots ‘on caudal peduncle. . . . « Pleetranthias rubrifasciatus Lateralne scals 32 to 35; maxila and rear par of lower jaw scaly pectoral rays 16 colour tan, becoming silvery white ventrally ist 4 lateral-line scales dusky . . Plectranthias robertsi Lateral-line scales 40 or 41; oblique rows of large scales on cheek between eye and ‘corner of preopercle 8 of 9; body red, with no distinctive markings . + Plectranthias taylori Latera-tine scales 28 to 36; oblique rows o large cheek scales & to 7: colour (when known) not entiely red : - . vee a9 Fourth dorsal-in spine longest, 2.9 times in head length; pectoral fins just reaching Vertical at base of fat analn ray; body pale rod wih 2 rows of large dark re laches dorsally; fins yellow . + Pleetranthias whiteheadi Third dorsal-fin spine longest, 1.8 t0 2.9 tines in head length; pectoral fins reaching past vertical at base of frst anal-fn ray; colour not as above . Latoral-ine scales 33 t0 36; dorsal-fin rays 17 oF 18 « Lateral-line scales 28 to 31; dorsal-fin rays 16... . . Oblique rows of large chook scales 5; body with 6 faint dark saddle blotches, frst from ape to dorsalfin origin, second below midlle dorsal-fin spines, sixth at base of last 4 dorsal-fin rays; another 2 diffuse saddle blotches on caudal peduncle. . . Plectranthias anthioides Cheek scale rows 7; body with 4 dark saddle-bars, first from nape to first 2 dorsal-fin spines, the fourth bar below twelith to sixteenth dorsal-fin rays, and 2 more dark bars on rear half of peduncle . . « ee settee estes Plectranthias jothyi Inner teeth on side of lower jaw about twice as long as teeth in outer rows; length of longest caudal-fn ray about 1.4 times in head length: body pale, with red bar from middle (of dorsal fin to front of anal fin and another on caudal peduncle . . . . . Plectranthias retrofasciatus ‘Teeth on side of lower jaw equal in size; longest caudal-fin ray 1.6 to 1.9 times in head length . see fee teetee ete e eee etter eee OIF Pectoral-fin rays 14; eye diameter 3.35 times in head length... . . « Plectranthias knappi Pectoral-fin rays 13; eye diameter 2.8 to 4.4 times in head length « tee OM ody Sept 2.7 102.8 mes standar eng third dovsal-in spine and second ann spine 2.0 times in head length life colour unknown . . « : = Plectranthias pallidus Body depth 2.6 to 2.85 times in standard length; third dorsain spine 24 t0 2.5 tes in head length, second ana spine 22 to 2 times n head length; ody whish wth large orange-red blotches suffused with yellow... 2... 0. Plectranthias wheeleri Lateral-line usualy incomplete, 12 to 22 scales in anterior series +. 316 Lateral-line complete, 25 to 31 scales in series to caudal-fin base : >19Peeifinmes Percoidel Seranidve 16a. Third dorsal-in spine elongate, with a pennant-ike flap near tip; edge of preopercie smooth cor with a fow weak serrae; pectoral fin reaching past anal-in base, the length 2.2t02.5 times. in standard length; body pale, with large close-set red blotches . - Plectranthias inermis 16b. Fourth dorsal-fin spine longest: upper edge of preopercie strongly serrate and 2 antrorse pines on tower ede; poctra-n lngth 2.4 to 8.2 times in standard lengih; colour not as above tee bette teste eee es OUT 17a. Pectoralfin rays 12 oF 19; lateralline scales 12 to 15; subopercie with 2 to 7 coarse sorrae and inferopercie with 1 to 8 serrae; body pale, with brown blotches forming itregular bars; dark brown spot at rear end of dorsal-in base, another at base of upper Caudal-fin rays, a third at base of last anal-fin ray, and a fourth spot between second and third spots; small dusky spots along bases of dorsal and anal fins. . . . . Plectranthias longimanus 17. Pectoral-fin rays 14 to 18; lateral-ine scales 14 to 22: subopercle serrae 0 to 2 (1 of 46 manus wi 4, and none on nteroperce (a single. manus wih 1) colour not exactly as above (but that of P. nanus similar) ee tee 3B 18a. Dorsafin rays 13 to 15; pectoral-fin rays 14 to 16; colour as in 17a except a vertical brown line on caudaHfin base separated by a pale zone from 2 dark spots on caudal POdUeClO ss eee e eect eset eeeseveeees «+ Plectranthias nanus 18b,Dorsalin rays 16 oF 17; pectoraltin rays 16 to 18; body motes orange anteriorly, becoming red and wht postion, wih red spot at dovsan org and white spot at base of last soft ray . = Plectranthias winniensis 19a. Caudal fin emarginate, with 1 or more filamentous rays... 19b. Caudal fin truncate or rounded, without elongated rays... 20 20a. No antrorse spines on lower edge of preopercle; several rays of caudal-fin lobes filamentous; dorsal-fin rays 14 or 15, the second to fourth elongated; small dark blotches on nape, 5 or 6 at base of dorsal fin, and 2 dorsally on caudal peduncle; 2 dark blotches |ust below lateral line, 1 below last dorsal-fin spines and the other just behind head; 2 faint dark blotches on side of caudal peduncle (lfe colour unknown). . . . . . Plectranthias foresti 20b. Two largo antrorse spines on lower edge of proopercle; only the second branched Caudaln ray longa: dorsalin rays 15 to 17, nono elongated; body pale, motled with red and yellow... + Plectranthias sagamiensis 21a. Preopercle with 18 to 21 serrae; oblique rows of cheek scales 6; lower pectoral-fin rays rot enlarged; caudal fin truncate; body rase, with blackish blotches dorsally; colour in alcohol essentially as in P. foresti. . . . « Plectranthias megalepis (1 Specimen, 63 nm Standard length, from Kat Islands, Indonesia) 2b. Preopercle with 1 to 4 serrae; cheek scale rows 4 or 5; lower pectoral-in cays enlarged: caudal fin rounded; dark bars on body and large black spot basally in anal fin... . » 322 22a. Palatine teeth absent; pectoral-fin rays 12 or 19, the long lower rays slightly enlarged: dorsal-n rays 16 to 18; lateral-line scales 25; interorbital area without scales; body pale, with 401 5 brown bars, fst in front of dorsal fn, ast at base of caudal fi; 4 prominent black spots as follows: covering rear third of spinous dorsal fin, below base of last 6 dorsal-fn rays, at base of last 4 anal-fin rays and micventraiy on abdomen . ++ + + Plectranthias fourmanoiri 22b, Palatine teeth present pectoral-fn rays 14, the lower 6 rays about twice as thick as shorter ‘upper rays; dorsal-fin rays 15; lateralline scales 29 or 30; top of head scaled anterior to nosti; Body pale, with 6 broad brown bars, the fist on nape, the last on caudal-in base, the ones between tending to form double bars (upper ends extending into basal part of dorsal fin where darker; large dark spot at base of anal fin, another at pectoralfin base, and 2 dark ‘spots, one above the other, on caudal-fin base Plectranthias cirrhitoidesaos Bony Fishes Key to the species of Plectropomus occurring in the area a. Anterior rays of soft dorsal and anal fins elevated, the fin margin with a distinct lobe anteriorly; longest dorsal-fin rays 1.6 to 2.1 times in head length; pectoral-in rays 14 to 16; adults with vertical blue lines anteriorly on side of body and head. . Plectropomus oligacanthus 1b. Anterior rays of dorsal and anal fins not elevated to form a lobe; longest dorsal-fin rays 2.2 to 3.2 times in head length; pectoral-fin rays 15 to 18; adults not coloured as above... . . . 2 2a. Body uniform brown or brown marbled with olive-green, brownish orange, or white; {uvenios brownish wih pale honizontaly elongate spots an streaks; pecorl-n rays 16 1B. eee cess eee Pleetropomus punctatus 2b. Body with numerous blue spots or with saddle black blotches and a few bive sp pectoralfin rays 15t0 18»... 1193 3a. Caudal fin truncate to slightly emarginate, the caudal concavity (difference between lengths of longest [upper] ray and shortest [middle] rays) 13 or more times in head length, interorbital area with small embedded scales; head, body (including ventral parts), and ‘median fing covered with close-set, round to slightly oval, dark-edged blue spots, distance between spots subequal io spot dameters 20 7 developed gil rakes on ower limb of first gil arch... . + Plectropomus areolatus ab. Caudal fin emarginate, the caudal concavity 5 '0 12 times in head iength no scales on inlororita area; Blue spots round to long; 40 10 developed gl rakers on ower imb offirst gill arch... « orn fee rd 4a, Pectoral-fin rays 16 to 18; caudal-fin length 1.5 to 1.8 times in head length; pectoral and pelvic fins 2.1 to 2.4 times in head length; head and body pale, with 4 or 5 saddle-tike {dark brown or black blotches and a few small blue spots, the fins yellow; or head ang body brownish with numerous smal lve spo and wih or without aint dark sade blotches « Plectropomus laevis 4p. Pectoral rays 15 to 17; caudal fin length 1.3 to 1.5 times in head length pectoral and pelvic fins 1.7 to 2.3 times in head length; no dark saddle-like blotches on body . .os 5a. Head and body covered (except ventrally) with small blue spots, about size of nostrils, the distance between spots more than twice their diametor; median fins also covered with blue spots. tes cea eae e+ Pleetropomus leopardus Sb, Most biue spots on head and body more than twice sizo of nostri; some spots on head and body elongate (except juveniles)... . . . « weeeeteeee 1.396 6a. Pelvic fins without blue spots; some spots on body of adults horizontally elongate; gil raker at angle of first gil ach longer than longest gil filaments; pelvic fins 1.7 to 2.1 times inhead length; nostris subequal... . . . «= sees + + + Pleetropomus maculatus 6b. Pevic fins with blue spots; some spots on body of adults vertcaly elongete; gil aker at angle of frst arch shorter than longest gill laments; pelvic fins 1.9 to 2.3 times in head length; rer nosis of adults over 60cm cst larger than antrr nostri vee see etees : v Plectropomus pessuliferus Key to the species of Pseudanthias occurring in the area 1a. Dorsal and anal fins nearly covered by small scales; auxiliary scales (small scales basally on large Seales) present; third dosaln spine longest, greaty elongated in males (longer than head length). tee 32 4b, Dorsal and anal fins naked or with only a fow small scales basally: aus scales present or absent; third dorsal-fin spine, i longest, not longer than head. aoPerciformes: Peri: Seranide 2465 2a. Band from eye to middle of pectoral fins (band yellow in females, orange in males) as broad or broader than pupil and not distinctly edged in violet; outer edges of caudal-fin, lobes broadly edged in blue oF violet; frst 2 soft rays and adjacent membranes of pelvic ting of males dark brownish red, in sharp contrast to pale rest of fins; spot on distal upper part of pectoral fins of males brownish red and smaller than eye . . « ~ Pseudanthias huchtii 2b. Orange band trom eye to middie of pectoral fins usually narrower than pupil and broadly edged in violet; outer edge of caudal-in lobes narrovrly blue or violet; pelvic fins of males ‘ot divided into outer brownish red and inner pale zones; spot on distal upper part of pectoral fins of rales pink to magenta, much larger than eye. Pseudanthias squamipinnis 3a. Upper lip of males thickened at symphysis, forming a pointed fleshy protuberance (only slightly developed in P. parvirostris), patch of villiform teeth on vomer roundish of ‘quadrangular, caudal fin of adults deeply forked - seed 36. Upper lip of males not thickened at symphysis; vomerine tooth patch chevron:shaped or sublriangular; caudal fin of adults slightly emarginato, slightly forked, orlunate...... +. . 913 4a, Latorakine seals 44 to 62; poctoraHin rays 15 10 1; a sores of prominent papilae along rear half of orbit « seteee Les OS 4b. Latoral-line scales 58 t0 64; pect: sin rye 18 to 22; papilae along re Tear halt of omit present or absent... « 5a. Fourth to tenth dorsal-fin spines longest; 2 or 3 opercular spines. 5b. Third dorsal-fin spine longest; 3 opercular spines 6a, Lateral-ine scales 41 to 44; no auxiliary scales; 3 opercular spines; snout length 4.6 to 5:6 times in head erat; caudal n yellow, tho upper and lower edges viet» : + Pseudanthias parvirostris 6b. Laterakine sealos 45 to 62. auxiiary scals prosont 2 opercular spines: snout length 3.2 10.3.8 times in head length; caudal fin entirely violet or with yellow lobes . . Lo? Ta, Lateraltine scales 48 1 49; pectoral rays 16 to 17; females with a bight yellow band dorsally on body, and caudal-fin lobes broadly yellow . . « ~ Pseudanthias tuka 7. Lateraine scales 48 to 52 (raroiy 48); pectoral-in rays 16 10 19; no yellow band on ody, and no yellow on caudal fin « s+ + + « Pseudanthias pascalus 8a. Opercular spines 2; dorsal-fin rays 15; body lavender-pink with 2red stripes dorsally, the lomer as a series of contguous blotches, and ireguar yellow strpes on head which break up into rows of small yellow spats on side of body .... +.» « - Pseudanthias aurulentus 8b, Opercular spines 3; dorsal-fin rays 15 to 17; colour not as above . . . . « 239 9a. Lateralline scales 44 to 48; body depth 9.1 to 3.8 times in standard length; body pink vith smal yellow spts dorsal, shading ventral to pale lavender yelow stipe near base of dorsal fin ‘vs + « Pseudanthias smithvanizi 9. Latoraine scales 49 to 62, body depth 84 to 4 times in standard length: body salmon pink, shading to pinkish white ventrally, with a row of red blotches dorsally (except fnteriorly) and a Oroad red stripe along upper half of caudal peduncle . . . . . . . Pseudanthias lori 410a. No greatly elongated dorsal-fin spines (second dorsal-fin spine of males may be slightly atongetey 2 opercuar spines; rear haf fort win several papae dorsal tn pana red. = + + Pseudanthias dispar 0b. Second andlor third dorsalfn spines of adults groaty atone: 3 operuar spines; no orbital papiliae; dorsal fin not primary ted. . +. + + + = Deter cess OH2466, Bony Fishes ‘Second analfin spine slightly longer than third; second and third dorsal-fin spines elongated in adults (the 2 spines nearly equal and with yellow membranous tips in males), maximum number of preopercularserrae 36 (serra Increasing with sz in general); maximum total length about 150m... . « = Pseudanthias bicolor 4b. Third anal spine longer than second; second dorsal-n spine elongated in adults (very long in males); maximum number of preopercular serrae 24; maximum total length about GoM... ee eee cette ee eeee fe OR Lateral-line scales 54 to 58; circumpeduncular scales 29 to 32; 3 to § irrogular rows of small teeth on palatines at widest place; pelvic fins of large males not reaching past anal-n base; dorsal and caudal ns yelow; head and body yolow dorsal, purple below Pseudanthias bartlettorum 12b, Latoraldine scales 96 to 62; crcumpecuncular scales 32 to 86:2 iegular rows of teeth ‘on palatines at widest place; pelvic fins of large males elongate, reaching past analfin base females orange-yelow, becoming red poster males oa, wi top of head and nape yellow : ee + Pseudanthias regatis 19a, Anal-fin rays 9; frst gill arch with 7 oF 8 gill rakers on upper limb, 21 to 24 on lower mb; Pelvic fins elongated, in males reaching past base of anal fin; females lavender-pink with broad yellow band dorsally on head and body and narrow magenta band across rear of interorbital area; fins yellow with magenta margins; males. with dorsal yellow area invaded by avender-magenta stipes and spots, and red and blue areas n dorsal and caudal fins : Pseudanthias ventralis * (CéniratPaciic to Great Bari Réei subspecitically dierent in Hawaii) 1b. Anal-tin rays 7 oF 8 frst gill arch with 8 to 12 gill rakers on upper limb, 22 to 29 on lower limb; pelvic fins of males not reaching past analfin base; colour not as above ....... sou ‘4a. Pectoral-fin rays 15; dorsal-fin rays 14; lateralline scales 35 (39 other side); palo brown inaleoho! with diffuse midlateral sivery strpe ese se « . Pseudanthias albofasciatus (I specimen, 75 mm standard length, taken off Hong Kong in 114 in; aot yet eecorded from the area) 14b. Pectoral-in rays 16 to 20; dorsal-fin rays 15 to 18 (excopt P. hutomol with 13 to 15 and P. xanthomaculatus with 14); lateral-ine scales 381054... . « sos First dorsal-fin spine as long as second spine; females lavender-pink, shading to yellow posterioy: median fins yellow; caudal fn of males orange, wit large yelow elipical spotin basalhalf.... eset e eee ees Pseudanthias pic 15b. First dorsal-fin spine distinctly shorter than second one caudal fin emarginate to lunate; colour not as above... . « 16a. Dorsab-fin rays 13 to 15 (modally 14)... . . . 1b. Dorsal-fin rays 14 to 18 (none modally 14)... 17a, Eighth to thirteenth dorsalin ays with a single branch projecting as a short flament froe of membrane; eye diameter 2.8 or more times in head length; body with 3 small white Blotces dorsally, the fst elow last dorsal‘ spine; males develop a large iregular \whitish area below rear dorsal-fin rays . + Pseudanthias hutomoi 17. Posterior dorsatfin rays without fe flamentous tips: eye diameter 2.6 times in nead length; body rose with yellow blotch dorsally below middle of dorsal fin and another behind eye. vs ves e esses tees sees = = . Pseudanthias xanthomaculatus specimen, 45 mam standard fength, taken off New Caledonia in 200 m) 18a. Third dorsal-fin spine of adults elongate, with a membranous filament at tip, 1.2 to 1.5 times in head length (spine of males, including filament, as long or longer than head lencth); dorsal profile of head of males straight; females orange, with dusky yellow spot (on scales of uppor two-thirds of body, the snout and chin yeliow, the caudal fin yellow except orange at base and violet on outer edges of lobes; males fuchsia with 2 broad ‘orange stripes, the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins with a broad deep orange submarginal band (on anal fin only anteriorly) . ee : Pseudanthias randalli 18D. Third dorsal-in spine more than 1.5 times in head length; dorsal profile of head of males slightly to moderately convex; colour not as above... sss vv vee ve tee >19formes: Peroidei: Sel 19a. Latorabtine scales 38 to 43; dorsalsin rays 15 016... esse 19b. Laterabline scales 41 to 54; dorsalfin rays 161018... see 20a, Body depth 3.2 times in standard length; pectoral-fin rays 18 of 19; frst gill arch with 12 gill akers on upper limb, 26 on lower limb; body orange-red anteriorly, shading to yellow posteriorly and on caudal fin; narrow rose band from snout to subopercle . . . Pseudanthias cichlops (specimen, 72 mim standard length, from Sumatra) 20b. Body depth 2.6 to 2.9 times in standard length; pectoral-in rays 17 or 18; first gill arch with 9 to 11 gil rakers on upper limb, 22 to 25 on lower limb; pinkish orange with a pale yellow Stipa, edged in volo, from front of upper ip trough lower part of eye ta pectoralfinbase =... ...- . t Pseudanthias tunulatus 21a. Third dorsal-fin spine clearly longest (at least in males and large females). »22 21b. Third dorsal-fin spine not elongated (may be equal to longest spine)... +... +326 22a, Females with midlateral lavender-edged orange-red band from eye to caudal fin, body below band with altemating yellow and lavender-pink lines along scale rows, fins yellow; males yellowish, the front third of body reddish; soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins with blue margin; lavender-edged red band from eye to pectoral-fin base; lateral-line scales 41 to.48; maximum size about 21m... - eevee eee + Pseudanthias fasciatus 2b. Colour not as above; lateral-Iine scales 42 to 50; maximum size 15em . . . ns) 28a, Laterahline scales 42 to 45; pectoralfin rays 17; lower limb of first gill arch with 24 or 25 ail ars; body lavender-pink, he sale cetes yellow ins pale lavender, sufused wth yellow. - « » Pseudanthias engelhardi 2b, Lateral-ine scales 44 to 50; pectoralfn rays 17 to 19; lower limb of st gil arch with 24 0.29 gill rakers; body and/or fins with distinctive colour pattern, at least in males au 24a. Pelvic fins not reaching anal fin; dorsal-fin rays 15 to 17; latera-line scales 44 to 48; lower limb of frst gil arch with 24 to 27 gill rakers; female pale orange-red, the scale centres yellow to dusky yellow, the fins pale yellow; male with yellow-orange lines or rows of Sots long dorsal sca rows of body, 1d spot in rear ar of spinous dorsal tn, and broad fed border on caudal fin... . + Pseudanthias luzonensis 24b. Pelvic fing reaching to of beyond anal-fin origin; dorsal tays 16 10 16; ateral-ine scales 45 to 50: lower limb of first gill arch with 25 to 29 gill rakers; colour not as above . . . . —> 25 25a. Body of females yellow, the scale edges magenta, with 2 magenta lines from eye to pectoral-in base thence to lower caudal peduncie; males orange-magenta with a large, Aoary square, lavender both on side of body preceded by a broad orange band cuving dorsally to nape ~ Pseudanthias pleurotaenia 2b. Coloration of females similar as above, but lighter yellow, and ventral pat of body pale lavender; males also similarly coloured, but no lavender blotch on body . . . . « Pseudanthias sheni 26a. Laterabine scales 50 to 54; female brownish yellow, shading to pale lavender ventrally, the scale centres pink, the dorsal-fin margin broadly lavender-pink, male lavender orange, wih narrow orange bar below eighth drsahtin spine between pectoral fins and lateral line... a wee ~ Pseudanthias mooreanus 26b. Lateralline scales 43 to 50; colour not as above’. 327 27a, Female with emarginate caudal fin, the caudal concavity 410 6 times in head length, the rear margin red; caudal fin of male convex to truncate, pink, shading distally to red, the comers lavender. male with red spot Between seventh and tenth dorsal-n spines: maximum length 19 om . - Pseudanthias hypselosoma 270. Caudal fin emarginat to lunate, the causal concaty 1105 mes in head tong; colour not as above; maximum length about 16 cm . 3282408 Bony Fishes 28a, Dorsal-in rays 15 or 16; caudal fin emarginate, the caudal concavity 2.3 to 4.6 times in head length; body depth 2.4 to 2.9 times in Standard length; female pink, the scale centres yellow, forming irregular oblique lines on upper rear part of body; median fins yellow, male lavender-pink, the scales edged with orange (especially dorsally), the body ventrally with faint yellow stripes; caudal fin with irregular bars of orange-yellow and Violet, the comers violet-blue with yellow tips: dorsal fin with a dark red spot on fourth and fith interspinous membranes . - Pseudanthias bimaculatus 2b. Dorsa/fin rays 16 to 18; caudal tin emarginate to lunate, the concavily 0.8 to 2.6 ties inhead length; body depth 2.7 to 3.2 times in standard length; colour not as above . . . . . . . +29 28a, Last dorsal-fin spine usually longest (but fourth to last subequal); lateral-line scales 46 10.52; scales dusky yellow and lavender-pink; pale lavender line from below eye to lower pectoral-in base; head and chest below this line whitish to lavender; first 4 dorsal-fin ‘membranes fuchsia with broad oblique orange band (more evident in males); males with ‘orange-red bar below lateral line and under ninth dorsa-fin spine; caudalin tips of females bright red: caudal fin of male largely red, the flamentous tos yellow and lavender - Pseudanthias cooperi 29b, Fourth dorsal-tin spine longest (but eaacent spines early as long ‘laeraline scales 42 to 49; colour not as above - . . 230 30a. No auxiliary scales; dorsalin rays 16; lateral-iine scales 42 to 47; female pink with yellow spot or line on each scale, shading ventrally to whitish; rear edge of caudal fin narrowly red, this colour broadening onto pointed lobe tips; male with a lavender-edged red bar from below last 4 dorsal-fin spines to beneath pectoral fins, the body anterior to bar, lavender-pink, posterior to bar, yellow shading dorsally to lavender-pink; caudal fin yellow, upper and lower edges lavender, the lobe tips red. ~ Pseudanthias rubrizonatus 30b. Auxiliary scales present on body: dorsal-fin rays 17 of 18; latora-tine scales 44 to 49; temale olive-grey, with Iregular horizontal rows of small orango-yellow spots laterally and ventrally: front of snout and chin reddish orange; dorsal fin orange-red distally caudal fin yellow; male dark olive-grey with 3 orange squares in a row on front half of body, followed by horizontal series of small orange spots; caudal fn yellow with orange lobes edged with blue cstaly dark red (almost black) spot tally in upper pat of pectoralfins .. . « Pseudanthias olivaceus Key to the species of Pseudogramma occurring in the area ‘1a, Dermal tentacle on upper surtace of eye; rows of red dots extending posteriorly from eye and forming a circle opercular ocellus . ~ Pseudogramma australis ‘1b. No tentacle on top of eye; no rows of red dots behind eye . . . . 32 2a, Pectoral-in rays 13, the middle rays unbranched: caudal-peduncle length (from anal-fin base to caudaln base 6.210 6.8 mes n head length tt al ech wth 10 gil rakers fon iowerlimb. . . . . cee : 2b, Pectoralfin rays 14 to 48, the rays branched except upper and lowermost rays of some specmens: cauda-pedunle engin 4.3 to §.5 times in head length rst il arch wth 10 f0 19 gillrakers on lower limb... 2.2.22 -- + wees ‘3a. Lateral scale sree 49: pectoral‘in length 3.3 mes in standard eng; ana ays 17; body red, with pale pink biotches . Pseudogramma erythreum 3b. Lateral scale series 52 of 53; pectoralin length 2.6 to 2.9 times in standard length; anal-fin rays 18 or 19; body yellow, with a faint brown reticulum Pseudogramma pectoralis 4a. Dark brown spot on opercle: ateral-line scales of adults 31 to 41: rear ends of dorsal and anal fins not reaching past vertical at caudaln bas; pectoral ns ot reaching verical at analtin origin « ++ +++ Pseudogramma polyacantha 4b, No dark spot on opercie;lateraline scales 21 to 26; rear ends of dorsal and anal fins project wel past vertcal at caudalin base; pectoral ins reaching past anal‘in origin see Setteeee tee + Pseudogramma astigmumPe formes: Peroide:Seranidae __ 2469 Key to the species of Sacura occurring in the area 1a. Dorsal fin with X spines and 14 soft rays; body depth 2.2 to 2.3 times and pectoral fins 2.7 to 2.9 times in standard length. ‘Sacura parva (2 specimens, 17 and 67'mm siandard length taken in Timor Sea in 130 m) 1b. Dorsal in with X spines and 15 sof rays: body depth 2.00 2.1 tmes and pectoral ns 2.310 2.5 times in standard length... eteee = Sacura speciosa (1 Specimen, 95 mm, off Sulawesi in 150m) Key to the species of Selenanthias occurring in the area ‘1a. Bony interorbital space wide, 3.4 to 3.8 times in head length; lower limb of fist gill arch with 19 to 21 gill rakers; large black spot at rear of anal fin. . + + + Selenanthias analis: ‘tb. Inlerorbital wth 4.8 to 5.0 ties in head length; lower lb ot st il arch with 22 to 24 alll rakers; no black spot nanalfin . . . . « 132 2a. Body depth about 2.7 timas in standard length; interorbital width 4.7 to 6.0 times in head length; oblique rows of large cheek scales 7; body rose, with dark orange spot at base of last 4 dorsal-fin spines; head orange, with oblique rose band across cheek . . Selenanthias barroi 2b. Body depth 2.5 to 2.6 times in standard length; interorbital width 4.3 to 4.5 times in head length; cheek scale rows 6; life colour unknown . ++ + + Selenanthias myersi Key to the species of Variola occurring in the area Ya. Rear margin of caudal fin with a black submarginal line and narrow white edge: dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins without a distinct yellow posterior border 13 to 16 gil rakers on Tower limb of firs gill arch; pelvic fins usually not reaching anus; juveniles without a dark stripe on body dorsally and no dark spot at base of upper caudal-lin rays . . . Variola albimarginata 4b. Caudal, dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins with a broad yellow rear margin; 15 to 18 gill rakers on lower limb of fist gill arch; pelvic fins reach beyond anus; juveniles with Irregular dark Brown stip along dorsal part of Body anda dark spt at base of upper caudalfin rays. - Variola louti List of species occurring in the area The symbol wis given when species accounts are included. A question mark indicates that presence in the area is uncertain ‘Subfamily ANTHINAE ‘Aeanthistins ocellatus (Ganther, 1859) Caprodon schlegelii (GOnther, 1859)" Daciylanthias haplodactylus (Bleeker, 1858)” Holanthias borbonius (Valenciennes, 1828) Holanthias chrysostictus (Gunther, 1871) (@ Holanthias katayamai Randall, Maugé, and Plessis, 1979) Holanthias rhodopeplus (Gunther, 1871) Holanthias tapui Randall, Maugé, and Plessis, 1979 Holanthias wnimaculatus (Tanaka, 1917) Hypoplectrodes annulatus (Gunther, 1859) Hypoplectrodes jamesoni (Ogilby, 1908) Hypopleetrodes maccullochi Whitley, 1929 mnichthys waite! (Fowler, 931) mmichthys whitleyi (Smith, 1955) mnichthys williamsi Randall and McCosker, 1992 1 Not yet known from the area, but shouid be expected; occurs in Now South Wales at 1°51'S, Western Australia at 24'36'S, Talwan Province of China, and Hawai: 21 Known fiom a single specimen (17 cm standard length) from Ambon, Indonesia2470 Bony Fishes Plectranthias anthioides (GUnther, 1871) Plectranthias kamii Randall, 1980) Plectranthias cirrhitoides Randall, 1980 Plectranthias foresti Fourmanoir, 1977 Plectranthias fourmanoiri Randall, 1980 Plectranthias inermis Randall, 1980 Plectranthias japonicus (Steindachner, 1884) Plectranthias jothyi Randall, 1996 Plectranthias kelloggi (Jordan and Everman, 1903) Plectranthias knappi Randall, 1996 Plectranthias lasti Randall and Hoese, 1995 Plectranthias longimanus (Weber, 1913) Plectranthias megalepis (Gunther, 1880) Plectranthias megalophthalmus (Fourmanoir and Randall, 1979) Plectranthias nanus Randall, 1980 Plectranthias pallidus Randall and Hoese, 1980 Plectranthias retrofasciatus Randall and Fourmanoir, 1979 Plectranthias robertsi Randall and Hoese, 1980 Plectranthias rubrifasciatus Randall and Fourmanoir, 1979 Plectranthias sagamiensis (Katayama, 1963) Plectranthias taylori Randall, 1980 Plectranthias wheeleri Fandall, 1980 Plectranthias whitehead Randall, 1980 Plectranthias chungchowensis Shon and Lin, 1984) Plectranthias winniensis (Tyler, 1966) 2 Pseudanthias albofasciatus (Fowler and Bean, 1930) Pseudanthias aurulentus Randall and McCosker, 1981 Pseudanthias bartlettorwm Randall and Lubbock, 1981 Pseudanthias bicolor Randall, 1979 Pseudanthias bimaculatus (Sraith, 1958) Pseudanthias cichlops (Bleeker, 1853) Pseudamhias cooperi (Regan, 1902) (= Anthias kashiwae Tanaka, 1918) Pseudanihias dispar (Herre, 1955) Pseudanthias fasciatus (Kamohara, 1954) (= Anthias rubrolineatus Fourmanoir and Rivaton, 1979) Pseudanthias huchtii Bleeker, 1857) Pseudanthias Intomoi (Allen and Burhanuddin, 1976) Pseudunthias hypselosoma Blocker, 1878 (= Anthias truncatus Katayama and Masuda, 1983) Pseudanthias lori Randall and Lubbock, 1981 Pseudanthias luzonensis (Katayama and Masuda, 1983) Pseudanthias mooreanus (Herre, 1935) Pseudanthias olivaceus Randall and McCosker, 1981 Pseudanthias parvirostris Randall and Lubbock, 1981 Pseudanthias pascalus (Jordan and Tanaka, 1937) Pseudamthias pictilis (Randall and Allen, 1978) Pseudanthias pleurotaenia (Bleeker, 1857) Pseudanthias randalli (Lubbock and Allen, 1978) Pseudanthias regalis Randall and Lubbock, 1981 Pseudanthias rubrizonatus Randall, 1983 Pseudanthias sheni Randall and Allen, 1989 Pseudanthias smidhvanizi Randall and Lubbock, 1981 Pseudanthias squamipinnis (Peters, 1855) Pseudanthias tuka (Herre and Montalban, 1927) Pseudanthias ventralis Randall, 1979 Pseudanthias xanthomaculatus (Fourmanoit and Rivaton, 1979) Rabaulichthys altipinnis Allen, 1984Pereifarmes: Persie: Sean 2a Sacura parva Heemstra and Randall, 1979 Sacura speciosa Heemstra and Randall, 1979 Selenanthias analis Tanaka, 1918 (= Pleetranthias maculatus Fourmanoir, 1982) Selenanthias barroi (Fourmanoir, 1982) Selenanthias myersi Randall, 1995 Serranocirrhitus latus Watanabe, 1949 Tosana niwae Smith and Pope, 1806 Tosanoides flavofasciatus Katayama and Masuda, 1980 ‘Subfamily EPINEPHELINAE Tribe EPINEPHELINI =e Aethaloperca rogaa (Forsskal, 1778) = Amyperodon leucogrammicus (Valenciennes, 1828) = Cephalopholis sitha Randall and Heemstra, 1991 = Cephalopholis argus Bloch and Schneider, 1801 = Cephalopholis aurantia Valenciennes, 1828) = Cephalopholis boenak (Bloch, 1780) = Cephalopholis eyanostigma (Valenciennes, 1828) > Cephalopholis formosa (Shaw and Noder, 1812) = Cophalopholis igarashiensis Katayama, 1957 > Cophalopholis leopardus (Lacepede, 1801) = Cephalopholis microprion (Bleeker, 1852) > Cephalopholis miniata (Forsskal, 1775) * Cephalopholis pollen (Bleeker, i868) = Cephalopholis sexmaculata (Ruppell, 1830) = Cephalopholis sonnerati Valenciennes, 1828) ‘= Cephalopholis spiloparaca (Valenciennes, 1828) = Cephalopholisurodera (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) > Cromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828) ==? Epinephelus akaara (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) = Epinephelus amblycephalus (Bleeker, 1857) = Epinephelus areolatus (Forsskal, 1775) > Epinephelus awoara (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) = Epinephelus bilobatus Randall and Allen, 1987 > Epinephelus bleekeri (Vaillant, 1877) =e Epinephelus bontoides (Bleeker, 1855) > Epinephelus bruneus Bloch, 1793 > Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus (Bloch, 1780) = Epinephelus chlorostigma (Valenciennes, 1828) = Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822) > Epinephelus corallicola (Valenciennes, 1828) “= Epinephelus cvanopodus (Richardson, 1846) > Epinephelus daemelii (Ginther, 1876) + Epinephelus darwinensis Randall and Heemstra, 1991 > Epinephelus epistictus (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) ‘=e Epinephelus ergastularius Whitley, 1930 er Epinephelus errhrurs (Valenciennes, 1928 Epinephelus fasciatomaculosus (Peters, 1868) E epinephelus fascias (Forssk, 1775) Epinephelus faveatus (Valenciennes, 1828) Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskal, 1775) > Epinephelus heniochus Fowler, 1904 Epinephelus hevagonatus (Forster, 1801) = Epinephelus howlandi (Gunther, 1873)= Epinephelus irvoratus (Forster, 1901) = Epinephelus lanceolarus (Bloch, 1790) = Epinephelus larifasciatus (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) = Epinephets longispinis (Kner, 1864) = Epinephelus macrospilos (Bleeker, 1855) > Epinephelus maculatus (Bloch, 1790) = Epinephelus magniscurts Postel, Fourmancir, and Gu6z6, 1963 > Epinephelus malabaricus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) = Epinephelus melanostigma Schultz, 1953 = Epinephelus merra Bloch, 1793 > Epinephelus miliaris (Valenciennes, 1880) > épinephelus morrhua Walenciennes, 1833) = Epinephelus muttinorans (Peters, 1878) = Epinephetus octofasciatns Grin, 1926 = Epinephelis ongus (Bloch, 1790) = Epinephelus perplexus Randall, Last, and Hoese, 1991 = Epinepiielus poccilononus (Temminck and Schiegel, 1842) = Epinephelus polypekadion (Bleeker, 1849) > Epinephelus polsstigma (Bleeker, 1853) > Fpinephelus quoyanus (Valenciennes, 1830) = Epinephielus radiatus (Day, 1867) = Lpinephelus retouti Bleeker, 1868 = Epinephelus rivulatus (Valenciennes, 1830) > Epinephelus sexfasciatus (Valenciennes, 1828) Fpinephelus socials (Gunther, 1873) > Epinephelus spilotoceps Schutz, 1953 = Epinephetus stictus Randall and Allen, 1987 = Epinephelus tavina (Forsskal, 1775) = Epinephetus imorensis Randall and Allon, 1987 2” Epinephelus trimacularus (Valenciennes, 1828) =e Bpinepivlus irophis Randall ang Allen, 1987 = Epinephielus mamotuensis Fourmancie, 1971 = Epinephelus tukula Morgans, 1959 > Epinephelus undulatostrians (Peters, 1867) = Epinephelus undulosus (Quoy and Geimard, 1824) * Gracila albomarginata (Fowler and Bean, 1930) = Plectropomus areolatus (Rappell, 1830) = Pleciropomus iaevis (Lacepede, 1801) = Plectropomus leopardus (Lacepéde, 1802) > Pleetropomus maculatus (Bloch, 1790) = Plectropomus oligacanthus Blocker, 1854 > Pleetropomus pessuliferus Fowler, 1904 > Saloptia powelli Smith, 1964 = Triso dermopterus (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) > Variota albimarginata Baissac, 1952 > Variola louti (Forsskal, 1775) Tribe NIPHONINI = Niphon spinosus Cuvier, 1828 Tribe LIOPROPOMATINI Liopropoma collettei Randall and Taylor, 1988 Liopropoma erythracum Randall and Taylor, 1988 Liopropoma flavidum Randall and Taylor, 1988 Liopropoma incomptum Randall and Taylor, 1988 Liopropoma lunulatum (Guichenct, 1862) Liopropoma mitratum Lubback and Randall, 1978 Liopropoma multilineatum Randall and Taylor, 1988 Bony FishesPerciformes: Porcoide: Saranidac - 2473 Liopropoma pallidum (Fowler, 1938) Liopropoma susumi (Jordan and Seale, 1908) Liopropoma swalesi Fowler and Bean, 1930 Liopropoma tonstrinum Randall and Taylor, 1988 Rainfordia opercularis McCulloch, 1923, Tribe DIPLOPRIONI ‘Aulacocephalus temmincki Bleeker, 1857 Belonoperca chabanaudi Fowler and Bean, 1930 Diploprion bifasciatum Kubl and van Hasselt, 1828 Tribe GRAMMISTINI Mporops bilimearis Schultz, 1943 Grammistes sexlineatus (Thunberg, 1792) Grammistops ocellatus Schulte, 1953 Pogonoperca punctata Valenciennes, 1830) Pseudegramma astignum Randall and Baldwin, 1997 Pseudogramma australis australis Randall and Balwin, 1997 Pseudogranmna erythrewn Randall and Baldwin, 1997 Pseudogramma pectoralis Randall and Baldwin, 1987 ‘Pseudogramma polyacantha (Blooker, 1856) ‘Suttonia lineata Gosline, 1960 ‘Subfamily SERRANINAE Chelidoperca hirundinacea (Valenciennes, 1831) Chelidoperea margaritifera Weber, 1913 Chelidoperca pleurospilos (Gunther, 1860) References Baldwin, C.C, and G.D. Johnson. 1993, Phylogeny of the Epinephelinae (Teleostei: Serranidae). Bull, Mar. Si '52(1):240-285, Heemstra, P.C. and D. Golan, 1999. Clarication ofthe Indo-Pacic groupers (Pisces: Serranidae) inthe Mecitercanean Sea. Isr J. Zool, 39'281-980. Heemstra, PC, and JE. Randall. 1993. FAO spacies catalogue. Vol. 18. Groupers of the world (amily Serranidae, ‘subfamily Epinepheidae), An annotated and iustrated catalogue of te grouper, rockcod, hind, coral grouper and tyretal spacies known fo date. P40 Fish, Synop., (125)16'982 p. Randall J. 1960, Revision o he tsh genus Plecianthias(Serranidae: Anthinae), wth descriptions of 13 new species. ticronesica, 16(1) 101-187. Randall, JE, 1996, Two now anthine tshes of the genus Plectranthias (Perciformes: Serranidse), with a key to the species. Micromesice, 29(2) 113-131 Randal, E. and C.C, Baldwin. 1997. Revision ofthe serranis fishes ofthe subtibe Pseudogrammina, with descriptions ol fve new species. Indo-Pac. Fishes, (26)'58 p. Randal, JE. and PC. Heomstra, 1978. Reciassiation ol the Japanese cirhiid fishes Serramocirrhitus lates and ‘eobuna japonica to the Anthinae. Japan J ehthyol,25(8) 165-172. Randal, E. and P.C, Heemstra. 1991. Revision of Indo-Pacific groupers (Perciformes: Serranidae: Epinopholinae), ‘nth deserptions of five new species. Indo-Pac. Fishes, (20}296 p Randall, JE. and R, Lubbock, 1981. A revision of the serranidfishos of the subgenus Mirolabrichihys (Antinae: ‘anthias), with descriptions o iv now species. Nanuval History Museum of Las Angeles County, Contributions in Science, (883)27 . Randal, JE. and .E. MeCosker, 1992, Revision ofthe fish gonus Za ‘ith descriptions of wa new species. Indo-Pac. Fishes, 211-21 Randal, JE. and L. Taylor. 1988. Review of the Indo-Pacti fishes ofthe serranid genus Liopropoma, with descriptions ‘of seven new species. Indo-Pac. Fishes, (18)47 . Randal, J. LA, Mauge, and Y.B, Plassis. 1979. Two new anthine fishes of the genus Holanthias rom the southern ‘and western Pactic Japan J Ichthyol, 26(1) 15-25. onichthys (Percitormes: Serrandae: Anthinae), ‘The ilustrations onthe following species accounts that are signed DPV, EG, EH, and MMS are copyright of the JL. Smith Insitute of lenthyotony,2am _Bony Fishes EPINEPHELINAE, Subfa Tribe EPINEPHELINI Aethaloperca rogaa (Porsskal, 1775) (Plate 1,1) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Cephalopholis rogaa (Forsskall, 1775) / None (rarely misiden- tied). FAO names: En - Redmouth grouper; Fr - Vielle roga; Sp - Cherna roga 45cm total length Diagnostic characters: Body deep and compressed, its depth greater than head length and 2.1 to 2.4 times in standard length; body width 2.5 to 2.8 times in body depth; head length 2.5 lo 2.75 times in standard length. Dorsal head profile steep, straight, or slightly concave along snout and distinctly convex from eye to dorsal fin; preorbital depth 6.5 to 9.2 times in head length; preopercie finely serrate, the lower edge fleshy; rear nostrils round or oval, not much larger than frant ones. Maxilla reaches past eye; small canines al front of jaws, none elsewhere; 2 to 4 rows of small slender teeth at side of lower jaw; palatine teeth present; ventroposterior corner of maxilla with a distinct bony protuberance; supramaxilla, Slender. First gil arch with 8 to 10 gill rakers on upper limb, 15 to 17 on lower limb; longest raker slightly longer than longest gil filaments. Dorsal fin with IX spines and 17 or 18 soft rays, the in ongin over opercie, and the third or fourth spines longest; dorsal-fin membranes slightly incised between the spines: anal fin with Ill spines and 8 or 9 soft rays; middle dorsal and anal-fin rays elongated in adults, giving these fins an angular profile, with the rear margin almost vertical; caudal {in truncate, with @ branched rays in upper lobe and 7 in lower lobe; pectoral fins asymmetric, with 17 to 19 rays; pelvic fins subequal to pectoral fins, extending beyond anus. Scales on body rough, with auxiliary scales; lateral-ine scales 48 to 54; lateral scale series 94 to 104. Colour: dark brown to black, occasionally with an orange cast, usually with a pale vertical bar on side of abdomen; distal part of spinous dorsal fin dark orange 10 brownish red; inside of mouth, gill cavity and upper Jaw membranes reddish orange. Juveniles with @ broad white posterior margin on caudal fin and a narrow white margin on soft dorsal fin. Size: Maximum total length 60 om, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Well-developed coral reels in depths of 3 to at least 60 m. Usually seen in or near caves and holes in the reef. Small fishes (including Pempheris sp.. a common cave dweller) are the primary food of this species, and it also feeds on stomatopods (Pserdlasguilla 8p.) Preliminary data indicate that it spawns at any time of the year and matures (females?) at a length of about 35 om standard length. Occasionally seen in markets, but - this species is not common. Caught ‘with hook-and-line, spear, and probably in traps. Distribution: Red Sea to South Africa and east to the Gilbert Islands in the Central Pacific: including Thailand, Japan, Philip 28} pines, Indonesia, Australia, Papua New . Guinea, Palau,'as well as Solomon, . Caroline, and Gilbert islands.Perciformes: Parcoid: Serie 2475 Anyperodon leucogrammicus Valenciennes, 1828) | (Plate 1,2) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Serranus micronotatus Rippell, 1890; S. urophihalmwus Bleeker, 1855 / None. FAO names: En - Slender grouper, Fr - Mérou élégant; Sp - Mero elegante. Diagnostic characters: Body and head elongate and markedly compressed, its depth distinctly less than head length, 3.1 to'3.7 times in standard : 2 length; body width 2.3 to 2.8 times in body depth 9 Head pointed, its length 2.3 to 2.5 times in standard length; dorsal head profile almost straight, the interar- bital region slightly concave, flat or slightiy convex; Sem total length preorbital narrow, its depth 14 to 17 limes in head {from Randal nd Kuiter, 1989) length; preopercie rounded, finely serrate, the lower serrae only slightly enlarged, the lower edge fleshy; ventral edge of interopercle with a shallow indentation; upper edge of operculum distinctly convex; dlameter of rear nostrils about twice that of anteriors. Maxila reaches well past aye, the exposed part covered with tiny scales; no teeth on palatines; canines at front of jaws rudimentary of absent; teeth at sides of lower jaw subequal, in 2 or 3 irregular rows; no bony process on rear end of maxilla; supramaxilla well developed. First gill arch with 7 to 9 gill rakers on upper limb, 14 to 17 on lower limb; rakers subequal to gill laments In lengtn. Dorsal fin with X1 spines and 14 to 16 soft rays, the fin origin over the apercie, the membranes distinctly incised between the spines; anal fin with III spines and 8 or 9 soft rays; caudal fin rounded, with 8 branched rays in upper lobe and 7 in lower lobe; pectoral fins shart, thin, tansparent, and symmetrical, with 15 to 17 rays; pelvic fins not reaching anus. Midlateral body scales rough: lateralline scales 61 to 72: lateral scale series 106 to 125; auxiliary scales present on body scales. Colour: adults greenish to brownish grey with numerous orange-red spots on head (becoming smaller anteriorly), body, dorsal fin, and basally on caudal fin; 4 longitudinal whitish bands or series of streaks often visible on postorbital head and body; membranes of soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins clear. Juveniles with longitudinal pale bluish grey stripes on a gold background; a blue-edged black spot (or double spot) at base of caudal fin and another at base of soft dorsal fin Size: Maximum total length at least 60 om. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: A coral-reet species usually found on protected reets in depths of 5 to 80 m, Adults primarily piscivorous. The distinctive blue and gold striped juveniles are mimics of the wrasse Halichoeres purpurescens (Bloch and Schneider, 1801). Often seen in markets but not plentiful enough to be of com- mercial importance. Caught with hook-and-line, spear, and probably in traps. Distribution: Red Sea to Mozambique and east to Sa- moa and the Phoenix islands; including Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.2476 Bony Fister Cephalopholis argus Bloch and Schneider, 1801 | (Plate 1,3) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Cephalopholis cyanostigma (non Valenciennes, 1828) FAO names: En - Peacock hind; Fr - Vielle ciosomoer; Sp - Chema pavo real 22 em standard length eereetet Sesser dantrd eng nes enh kT ies n land eohBye sah sree siaeta aay ashrd elas e'ree sisenm Si tah ako or upe” is 1718 Resin epics ona 1 oF sates the amos iamtodbetmeen the spine. na sth bys lomaie Prony Ste Se pocorn as Se Sate vars snes ‘bootie cote Pec ton Cava mh Hoscant ne pene fae Ditton ps moupe eat ane * 122 ict lanesPexciformes:Perevidi: Sera aw Cephalopholis cyanostigma (Valenciennes, 1828) | __(Plate 1,4) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Cephalopholis kendalli Evermann and Seale, 1907; C. xanthoprerus Allen and Stark, 1975 / Cephalopholis miniata (non Forsskal, 1775); C. argus aon Bloch and Schneider, 1801; C. microprion (non Bleeker, 1852). FAO names: En - Bluespotted hind; Fr - Vielle étoles bleues; Sp - Cherna de pintas azules. 9.3 cm standard length juveniles 9.8 em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body somewhat compressed, its width 2.0 to 2.9 times in body deptn; body depth less than head length, 26 to 3.0 times in standard length (for specimens 8 to 23 cm standard length); head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length. Interorbital area flat to slightly convex, its width subequal to eye diameter and maxilla width; preoperce rounded, finely serrate, the lower edge fleshy; subopercle and intoropercle smooth or with a few serrae; upper edge of operculum very convex, the rear edge almost vertical; maxilla scaly, reaching well past oye. First gil arch with 7 to 9 gill rakors on upper limb, 14 to 18 ‘on lower limb. Dorsal fin with IX spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, the fin membrane indented between the spines; anal fin with III spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin well rounded: pectoral-fin rays 15 to 18, the fin length distinetly longer than pelvic-fin lengih, 1.5 to 1.8 times in head length; pelvic fins usually not reaching anus, 1.8 to 2.1 times in head length, Body scales rough, with a few auxiliary scales in adults; lateralline scales 46 to 50; lateral scalo series 92 to 106. Colour: adults brown to brownish red, with ‘numerous small black-edged blue ocelli on head, body, and fins, those on head and chest larger and more distinctly black-edged than those on upper part of body, those on fins smaller (except basally on pectoral fins) and also distinctly black-edged (spots entirely dark in preservative, the ‘ones on body faint): body often with dark chain-ike bars; proximal two-thirds of pectoral fins with blue ‘ocelli becoming smaller distally, the distal part of fin orange-yellow with a blackish edge or white edge and black submarginal line; median fins darker than body, the rear margin bluish white with a submarginal blackish band. Juveniles with head, body, and pectoral fins dark brown, the other fins bright yellow; blue ‘ocelli on head and front of body indistinct or absent. Size: Maximum total length 30 em. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral reets land seagrass or algal beds at depths of 1 10 '50 m. Feeds on crustaceans and fishes. Probably of importance to artisanal fisheries, Caught with hook-and-line, gil nets, spear, and in traps. Distribution: Tropical western Pacific, include ing Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Palau, New Biitain, Solomon Islands, and north coast of Australia from Dam- pier Islands off Western Australia to Capricomn L. Islands of the southern Great Barrier Reet.2a ony Fistes Cephalopholis formosa (Shaw and Nodder, 1812) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / “Cephalopholis boelang’ (Valenciennes, 1828): C. boenak (non Bloch, 1780) FAO names: En - Biuelined hind; Fr - Vielle lignes bleues; Sp - Cherna rayada. 17cm standard tongth Diagnostic characters: Body depth 25 to 2.9 times in standard length (for specimens 10 to 26 cm standard length); head length 2.4 to 2.6 times in standard length. Preorbital depth 3.6 to 4.3% of standard length, more than 1/2 maxilla width. Interorbital area convex; preopercle rounded, finely serrate, the lower edge fleshy; subopercle and interopercle smooth; maxilla naked, reaching to or just past vertical at rear edge of eye. First gill arch with 8 to 10 gillakers on upper limb, 14 to 18 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with 1X spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, the membranes indented between the spines; anal fin with III spines and 8 (rarely 7) soft rays, the second spine 12 to 14% of standard length, not reaching past tip of third spine; caudal fin well rounded; pectoral-in rays 16 to 18, pectoral fins usually longer than pelvic fins, 1.5 to 1.8 times in head length; pelvic fins reaching about to anus, 1.6 to 2.0 times in head length. Body scales rough, without auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 47 to 51; lateral scale series 91 to 109. Colour: dark brown to yellowish brown, with slightly irregular dark blue lines on head, body and fins (those ‘on body and fins sometimes absent); snout, lips, and ventral part of head and chest with small dark blue spots (blue markings become black in preservative, and may be lost on some specimens, ‘especially older museum material). Size: Maximum total length 34 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Like the chocolate hind (Cephalopholis boenak), the preferred habitat of the bluelined hind is shallow doad or sity reefs; and this may account for the primarily continental distributions of these 2 species. Too small to be of much commercial importance as a food fish, but often ‘seen in markets. Caught with hook-and-line, gill net, traps, and in trawls, Distribution: Primarily conti- rental and seems to avoid at- alls or oceanic islands. Oc- curs from wastern India to Thailand, Indonesia, Philip- pines, China, Taiwan Prov- Ince’ of China, Japan (Honshu), and northen Aus: traliaPesciformes: Percoidl: Serie 209 Cephalopholis igarashiensis Katayama, 1957 (Plate 1,5) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None. FAO names: En - Garish hind; Fr - Vielle voyant; Sp - Chena chillana. Diagnostic characters: Body depth greater than heat length, 2.0 to 24 times in standard length (for speci mens 13 to 29 cm standard length); body width 2.3 to 2.6 times in body depth; caudal peduncle depth equal to or greater than its length; head length 2.3 to 2.5 times, in standard length. Dorsal head profile straight or Slightly concave e above aye, the nape markedly con vex; lateral line noticeably arched over pectoral fin. Interorbital area flat; preopercle rounded. ney serrate, the ventral serrae slightly enlarged, the lower edge irregu: lar but hidden by skin; subopercie and interopercle finely juvenile serrate; upper edge of operculum distinctly convex; maxilla reaching vertical at rear edge of eye. First gil arch with 8 or 9 gill rakers on upper limb, 18 or 17 on lowor limb. Dorsal fin with IX spines and 14 soft rays, the membranes distinctly indented between the spines; anal fin with II spines and 9 soft rays; caudal fin rounded: pectoral-fin rays 18 or 19, the fin length 1.6 fo 1.8 times in head length; pelvic fins reach to or beyond anus, 1.7 to 2.0 times in head length. Body scales rough, without auxiliaries; lateralline scales 60 to 65; lateral scale series 101 to 117. Colour: head, body, and fins reddish orange; 7 lemon yellow bars on dorsal part of body, extending onto dorsal fin; 3 broad yellow bands radiating from eye; {ins red, except for extension of yellow bars from body into dorsal fin and membranes at tips of dorsal es, which are orange. Juveniles more yellowish, with a large black spot in dorsal fin, pelvic fins and tips of interspinous dorsal-fin membranes blackish; tis of pelvic fins blackish in large juveniles or small adults. Size: Maximum total length about 43 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: A rare, deep-water grouper; a specimen from Tahiti was taken in a depth ‘of 250 m. Like most groupers, itis said to feed on fishes and crustaceans. This species ‘seems t00 rare to be of com- mercial importance. Caught with hook-and-line and in traps; marketed fresh, Distribution: Tropical western Pacific: southern Japan, Tai wan Province of China, Guam, Philippines, South China Sea, Samoa, and Tabit _ {140m standard length2480) Bony Fishes Cephalopholis miniata (Forsskil, 1775) | (Plate 1,6) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Cephalopholis sexmaculata (non Rappell, 1830), FAO names: En - Coral hind; Fr - Vielle de corail; Sp - Cherna estrellada Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.6 to 3.0 times in standard length (for specimens 10 to 30 cm standard length); head length 2.4 to 2.6 times in standard length. interorbital area flat to slightly convex; preopercle rounded, finely serrate, the lower edge fleshy; upper edge of operculum very convex; maxilla Scaly, reaching to or beyond vertical at rear edge of eye. First gill arch with 7 o 9 gill rakers on upper limb, 414 to 16 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with IX spines and 14 to 16 soft rays, the membranes distinctly indented between the spines; anal fin with III spines and 9 (rarely 8) soft rays, the fin margin rounded in adults; caudal fin well rounded: pectoral-fin rays 17 oF 18, the fin length 1.4 to 1.75 times in head length: pelvic fins usually not reaching anus, 1.9 to 2.3 times in head length. Midlateral body scales ctenoid. no auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 47 to 56; lateral scale series 94 to 114. Colour: orange-red to reddish brown, covered with small (usually dark-edged) pale blue-grey spots; pectoral fins orange-yellow distally; soft dorsal, caudal, and anal fins often with a narrow blue margin and blackish submarginal line; pelvic fins orange-red, the distal edge dark bluish grey. Juveniles more yellowish, with faint pale blue spots, fewer than in adults Size: Maximum total length about 40 om. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Well-developed exposed coral reetsin clear water at depths of 2to 150 m. Feeds mainly during early morning (07.00 to 09.00 h) and midafternoon (14.00 to 16.00 h). Most prey are fishes that school just above the reef (predominantly Pseucdanthias squamipinnis), and most of these are caught by a quick rush (‘ambush attack’) from the bottom. Cephalopholis miniata forms haremic groups comprising a dominant male and 2 to 12 females, These groups occupy territories of up to 475 m*, subdivided into secondary territories, which are defended by a single fomalo, Females are mature at 25 cm standard length. Although moderately small, C. miniata is a common species of considerable economic importance to local fisheries. Caught with hook-andsline, spear, and in traps, Distribution: Tropical Indo: Pacific and Red Sea (but not the Persian Gulf or French Polynesia), from the African coast (south to urban, South Arica) to the Line Islands in the Central Pacitic, including most islands in Indian Ocean, and western Central Pacitic, southern Japan, Taiwan Prov ince of China, Philippines, In donesia, norihem Australia, r ‘ Papua New Guinea, New x = Caledonia, and the islands of Micronesia.Perciformes: Petco Seranidae asi Cephatopholis sexmaculata (Ruppell, 1830) | __ (Plate 1,7) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Cephalopholis coatesi Whilley, 1997; C. gibbus Fourmanoit, 1954 / Cephalopholis miniata (non Forsskal, 1775). FAO names: En - Sixbloich hind; Fr - Vielle six taches; Sp - Cherna de seis manches. 25.em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.5 to 3.0 times in standard length (for specimens 13 to 99 cm standard length); head length 2.3 to 2.5 times in standard length. interorbital area flat to slightly convex; dorsal head profile of large specimens (more than 30 cm standard length) distinctly concave above the eyes: preopercle rounded, finely serrate in young, virtually smooth in large adults, the lower edge fleshy; subopercle and interopercie with a few small serrae mostly hidden by skin; maxilla scaly, reaching past eye. First gill arch with 7 to 9 gill akers on upper mb, 14 to 16 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with IX spines {the fin membranes distinclly indented between them) and 14 to 16 solt rays; anal fin rounded, with Ii spines and 9 soft rays; caudal fin well rounded: pectoral-fin rays 16 to 18, pectoral fins clearly longer than polvic fins, 1.4 to 7.6 times in head length; pelvic fins 1.9 to 2.2 times in head length. Lateral body scales ough, without auxiliary scales (just a few in very large specimens); lateral-line scales 49 to 54; lateral scale series 95 to 108, Colour: orange-red, with small blue spots sparsely scattered on body but more ‘densely on head and median fins; head also with elongated blue spots and lines; body with 4 dark bars (sometimes very faint) merging dorsally with blackish blotches at base of dorsal fin and ‘extending onto the fin; 2 similar but smaller dark bar/blotches on caudal peduncle; the spaces between the dark body bars sometimes very pale; pectoral fins orange-red, Size: Maximum total length at least 48 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral reels in depths of 10 to 150m; a secretive species, generally seen hiding in caves and crevices on the outer reef slope. The sixblotch hind is more active nocturally in shallow water and diurnally in deoper water. Feeds mainly on fishes. Probably of commercial interest to certain local fisheries. Caught with hook-and-lino, raps, and spear. Distribution: Red Sea and Indo-West Pacific region from South Arica to French Poly resia, including Christmas Is land, Indonesia, South China Sea, Philippines, southem Ja: pan, Palau, Queensland, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Caroline Istands, Mariana Is- lands, Marshall islands, Line Islands, Fiji Islands, Society Islands, and the Marquesas.2K _ Bony Fishes Cephalopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828) (Plate 1,8) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Cephalopholis purpureus Fourmanoir, 1966 / *Cephalopholis daurantius” (non Valenciennes, 1828), C: formosanus (Tanaka, 1911) FAO names: En - Tomato hind; Fr - Vielle ananas; Sp - Chena pina 0-em total length is from east coast of Afica to y the Line Islands in the Central) ""\ Pacific; in the western Pacific, | ¥¢! Cephalophotis sonnerati \.. ranges from southern Japan SS to southern Queensland. [S Known from both continental | Seema SS ‘ oo and insular localities, inelud- | ing mestistands in the tropical Indian and Pacitic Oceans, but not reported trom the Red Sea or Persian Gul asPoriformes: Peco’: Seranidae 2483 Cephalophotis urodeta (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) | __ (Plate Ml, 9) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Cephalopholis nigripinnis (Valenciennes, 1828) / None. FAO names: En - Darkfia hind; Fr - Vialle alle noire; Sp - Chana alinegra, 180m standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth less than head length, 2.7 to 3.3 times in standard length (for ‘specimens 9 to 21 cm standard length); head length 2.4 to 2.7 times in standard length. Interovbital area Convex; preopercle rounded, finely serrate, the lower edge fleshy; subopercle and interopercle usually ‘smooth; maxilla reaching well past eye; snout and maxilla with minute cycloid scales. First gill arch with 7 {0.9 gill rakers on upper limb, 15 to 17 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with IX spines and 14 to 16 soft rays; anal fin with III spines and 9 (rarely 8) soft rays; caudal fin rounded; pectoral-fin rays 17 to 19, pectoral fins distinctly longer than pelvic fins, 1.3 to 1.7 times in head length; pelvic fins usually not reaching anus, 1.8 to 2.3 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough, without auxiliary scales; lateral-tine scales 54 to 68; lateral scale series 88 10 108. Colour: reddish brown to brownish red, darker posteriorly; body ‘sometimes with small pale spots andlor 4 fain, regular, dark bars that bifurcate ventrally and another 2 ‘dark bars on caudal peduncle; head with numerous, small, closo-sot orango/red spots (more evident on paler parts of nead) and sometimes with Irregular reddish brown blotches: dark spot between uppor and ‘middle opercular spines (more evident on juveniles); a pair of small dark spots on edge of lower lip in line with the pair of anterior canine teeth; soft dorsal and anal fins with small orange-red spots; outer triangular part of interspinous dorsal-fin membranes orange; pelvic fins orange-red, usually with a dark blue edge. Caudal fin with 2 white to bluish white bands that converge posteriorly, the area between the bands dark, often with pale spots, the outer corners of the fin red, with a whitish margin. Pectoral fins reddish brown basally, becoming yellow distally. Size: Maximum total length 28 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: A common coral reef species, usually seen in outer reef areas, but also found in lagoons, back-reet areas and on the reef-top. Depth range 1 to 60 m. Feeds mainly on fishes (68%) and crustaceans. Because of its small size, the darklin hind is not of much interest as a food fish (except perhaps to subsistence fisheries), but it does well in an aquarium and may find a market as an aquarium fish. Caught with hhook-and-tine, gil nets, andin Uso TS traps. my Distribution: Indo-West Pa- cific region from South Africa to French Polynesia and the Pitcairn Islands, probably oc- ‘curs at all tropical islands and shallow banks of this region; also known from southern Ja- an to northern coast of Aus- tralia248 Boy Fishes Cromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828) (Plate 11,10) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None. FAO names: En - Humpback grouper; Fr - Mérou bossu: Sp - Mero jorobado. 30.em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body compressed, its depth less than head length, and 2.6 to 3.0 times in standard lenath; body width 2.4 to 2.6 times in body depth; head length 2.5 to 2.8 in standard length; head depressed anteriorly, the dorsal profile distinctly concave, rising steeply at the nape; preorbital narrow, its depth 3.00 5.0 times in eye diameter and 15 (0 32 times in head length, Anterior nostri tubular; posterior nostril a large, crescentic, vertical slit. Jaws with bands of viliform teeth; no canines; palatines with teeth; no step or knob on ventral edge of maxilla; supramaxilla well developed. Prooparcle finely serrate, the serra at the angle slightly enlarged, the lower edge smooth; opercie with middle spine inconspicuous, the upper and lower spines rudimentary. Gill rakors short fist gill arch with 8 to 11 rakers on upper limb. and 13 to 17 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with X spines and 17 to 19 soft rays, the fin origin aver opercle, the fin membranes not incised between the spines, the posterior spines longest and the soft rays even longer, anal fin with ILI spines and 9 or 10 soft rays; caudal fin rounded, with & branched rays in upper lobe and 7 in lower lobe; pectoral-fin rays 17 or 18. Scales on body smooth (the ctenii greatly reduced); lateral-line scales 54 to 62; lateral scale series 106 to 122. Supraneural bones slender, the second mare than 1/2 length of first; no trisegmental ptorygiophores in dorsal or anal fins; rear edge of first dorsal pterygiophore slightly excavated: epipleural ribs on vertebrae 1 to 8. Cranium elongate, depressed anteriorly and elevated posteriorly; least interorbital width about 10% of cranium length; postorbital part of cranium elongated, 60% ‘of more of cranium length; supraocciptal crest not extending onto frontals. Galour: pale greenish brown, with widely spaced small black spots on head, body, and fins; some spots on body and base of median, fins overlain by a large dusky blotch Size: Maximum total length 70 om, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Well-developed coral reels as well as dead or silly eet areas, from tide Pools to depths of 40 m. Growth in captiviy is very slow. Juveniles are prized as aquarium fishes, and adults are one of the most expensive fishes in fish markets. Caught with hook-and-line, spear, and in traps. Distribution: Western Pacific from southern Japan to Palau, New Caledonia, and southern Queensland (Australia); in the eastern Indian Ocean from the Nicobars to Broome, Western Australia. Reports from the western Indian Ocean are unsubstantiated, Records from Hawail are probably based on released aquarium fishes,Perciformes: Percoide: Sernidae 2a Epinephelus akaara (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) (Plate 11,11) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None. FAO names: En - Redspotted grouper; Fr - Mérou rouge tacheté; Sp - Mero de pintas rojas. 2182 cm standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth less than head length, 2.7 to 3.2 times in standard length (for specimens 11 to 38 cm standard length); head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length. Preopercle with ‘enlarged serrae at angle; upper edge of operculum straight; nostils subequal; maxilla reaching about to vertical at rear edge of eye; midside of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth. First gill arch with 23 to 25 gill rakers, of whieh 8 or 9 on upper limb and 15 to 17 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 18 to 17 soft rays, the third to sixth spines longest, 2.4 to 3.8 times in head lenath, the interspinous membranes incised: anal fin with Ill spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin rounded; pectoral-fin rays 17 to 19, the fin length 4.5 to 2.1 times in head length; pelvic fins not reaching anus, 1.9 to 2.3 times in head length. Lateral ody scales rough, with auxiliary scales in adults; lateralline scales 50 to 54; lateral scale series 92 to 108. Colour: head and body pale brownish grey, covered (except ventrally) with small red, orange, ‘or gold spots; 6 faint oblique dark bars usually visible on body (at least dorsally), the first bar on nape, the third bar confluent with a dark brown or black blotch on body at base of last 3 dorsal-fin spines, and the last bar on caudal peduncle: dark body bars extend only onto base of dorsal fin; dorsal-fin margin yellow or orange; a row of dusky yellow or orange spots (1 per membrane) along middle of spinous. dorsal fin and another row along base of fin; soft dorsal, caudal, and anal fins with faint red or orange spots basally, the distal parts of these fins dusky with small faint white spots. Size: Maximum total length 51 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: In Japanese waters, this species is common in rocky areas. Spawning ‘of pairs in shallow culture ponds has been roported, but the high mortality of larvae has hampered its use in aquaculture. The redspotted grouper is of considerable commercial importance in Hong Kong and Japan ‘where it brings a high price in markets, and live specimens are sold for an even better price. Distribution: Western Pa- cific: from southern China, Taiwan Province of China, East China Sea, Korea, and southern Japan (Kyushu to ‘about 38°N on both coasts of Honshu). Reported from Viet Nam, but the illustration ap: ppears to be the rock grouper (Epinephelus fasciatomacu- fosus). Records of F. akaara {rom the Philippines and India are unsubstantiated, May oc cur in the area,2486 Bony Fishes Epinephelus amblycephalus (Bleeker, 1857) (Plate Ht, 12) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None. FAO names: En - Banded grouper; Fr - Mérou bande; Sp - Cabrilla venda. 36-em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth less than head length, 2.510 3.0 times in standard length (for specimens 12 to 35 em Standard length); head length 2.1 to 2.4 times in standard ngth. Preopercle with 3 to 6 enlarged serrae at the ‘orner”; upper edge of operculum slightly convex; nostels subequal or posterior nostril larger than anterior, maxilla scaly, reaching about to vertical at rear edge of eye: midside ‘37 cm standard length of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth. First gill arch with 22 to 24 f STem standard lenge gill rakers, of which @ on upper limb and 14 to 16 on lower juvenile limb. Dorsal fin with X1 spines and 15 or 16 soft rays, the third or fourth spine longest, 2.7 to 3.2 times in head length, the interspinous membranes only slightly incised; anal fin with III spines and 8 soft rays: caudal fin rounded: pectoral fins with 18 or 19 rays, the fin length equal to pelvie fin, 1.7 to 2.3 times in head length, Lateral body scales ctenoid, with a few auxiliary scales in aduls;lateral-line scales 47 to 52: lateral scale series 90 to 121. Colour: head, body, and median fins pale grey; body with 4 broad dark brown bars, the first 2 extending into spinous part of dorsal fin, the third and fourth bars extending into soft dorsal and anal fins; a fifth dark bar at base of caudal fin; small black spots on dorsal parts, of body bars (mainly along the edges of the bars); dark brown saddle blotch on nape, with small black spots mainly along edge of this blotch: cheeks, snout, interorbital area, jaws, and chest mostly dark brown, with 2 oF 3 white bands radiating from eye; irregular Black bar on middle of caudal fin: maxillary groove yellow; ventral parts of head and body often with a pinkish tinge. Small juveniles (6 em standard length) white, with black bars on body as described for adults, the fins pale yellow with small black spots. Size: Maximum total length 50 cm, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Usually found on otshore coral and rocky reets in depths of 80 to 130 m. The banded grouper is a popular and commercially important species in Hong Kong, but in Singapore it's, ‘not a popular grouper in the market. Caught with hand lines, Sold fresh Distribution: Eastom Indian Ocean and central western Pacific from the Andaman Sea to southern Japan, Tai- wan Province of China. China, Philippines, Viet Narn, Malaysia, Thailand, Indone- sia, New Guinea, and north- western Australia; but unknown east of New Guinea except for one record from Fi.Perciformes: Pecoidl:Seraigae 2487 Epinephelus areolatus (Forsskil, 1775) | __ (Plate 1,13) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Epinephelus chlorostigma (non Valenciennes, 1828). FAO names: En - Areolate grouper; Fr - Mérou aréolé; Sp - Mero areolado. 21.8 em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth less than head length, 2.8 to 3.3 times in standard length (for ‘specimens 14 to 31 om standard length); head length 2.4 fo 2.8 times in standard length, Interorbital area ‘convex; preopercie angular, with 2 to 7 enlarged serrae at the angle; upper edge of operculum straight or slightly convex; nostrils subequal; maxilla extending to below rear half of eye, the lower edge with a distinct step posteriorly; maxila, lower jaw, and gular area scaly; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth First gill arch with 23 to 25 gill rakers, of which 8 to 10 on upper limb and 14 to 16 on lower limb. Pyloric caeca 11 to 17. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest and about equal to longest soft ray, the interspinous membranes moderately incised: anal fin with 1 Spines and 8 soft rays, the margin rounded or angular; caudal fin slightly convex in juveniles, truncate oF slightly emarginate in adults; pectoral-fin rays 17 to 19: pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins, 1.5 to 1.8 times in head length: pelvic fins 1.7 to 2.1 times in head length, reaching to or nearly to anus. Lateral body scales rough; adults with auxiliary scales. Lateralline scales 49 to 53; lateral scale series 97 10 116. Colour: head, body, and fins pale, covered with numerous close-set brown, brownish yellow or greenish yellow spots, the largest about size of pupil, those on front of head smaller than those on operculum. Pectoral fins pale, with small dark spots on the rays. Posterior edge of caudal fin with a distinct white margin. Size: Maximum total length about 40 em. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Usually found in seagrass beds or on fine sediment bottoms near rocky reefs, dead coral, or alcyonarians. Ithas been taken in depths of 6 to 200m. At New Caledonia, the areolate {grouper was reported to feed on penaeid prawns. Common in the markets of Hong Kong, Singapore, and probably throughout its range. Caught with hook-and-line, traps, and in trawis. Distribution: Indo-West Pa- cific from South Arica to Fil Including Andaman Islands, Thailand, Malaysia, Viet Nam. Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan Prov: ince of China, Japan, northern Australia (and nearby is: lands), Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. It ap: pears to be absent from Mi cronesia, Polynesia, and most islands of the western Indian Ocean.ans ony Fishes Epinephelus awoara (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) | (Plate 11, 14) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None: FAO names: En - Yellow grouper; Fr - Mérou jaune: Sp - Mero amarillo. 30 em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.7 to 3.3 times in standard length (lor specimens 13 to 31 cm standard length); head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length. Intororbital area convex; dorsal head profile strongly convex: preopercle subangular, with 2 to 5 strong spines at the angle; upper edge of ‘operculum straight, the uppermost spine rudimentary; maxila reachos about to vertical at rear edge of eye; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of small, subequal teeth, First gill arch with 22 to 26 gill rakers, of which 8 or 9 on upper limb and 16 to 18 on lower limb. Pylaric caeca 12, in 3 bundles. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 or 16 soft rays, the third or fourth spine longest but shorter than the longest soft ray, the interspinous membranes deeply incised; anal fin with Il spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin convex; pectoral-in rays 17 to 19, the fin longer than pelvic fins, 1.6 to 1.9 times in head lenath. Lateral body scales distinelly rough, with auxiliary scales in specimens larger than 30 cm standard length; latoral-line scales 49 to 55; lateral scale series 92 to 108. Colour: head and body pale greyish brown dorsally, usually golden yellow ventrally; 4 broad dark bars on dorsal part of body, 1 on caudal peduncle and another often Visible on nape; head and body with numerous small yellow spots; body and median fins also small greyish white spots; soft dorsal, caudal, and sometimes the anal fin with prominent yellow margin; paired fins dusky yellow. Dark bars on body may be faint or absent in large adults. Size: Maximum total length at least 60 om. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Occurs in rocky areas as well as on sandy-mud bottoms; juveniles are common in tidepools, and adults are caught in depths of 10 to 50 m. In captivity, the yellow grouper is an aggressive fish, spending much of its time chasing and biting other fishes, especially members of its own species. Valuable food fish, caught with tawls or hook: and-line. Eggs have been ar- tifcially fertilized, with the longest survival time for the larvae of 15 days Distribution: Western North Pacific: Korea, Japan, Taiwan Province of China, China, Viet Nam, and islands in the South China Seavide: Soran 2489 Epinephetus bleekeri (Vaillant, 1877) ] (Plate II, 18) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None. FAO names: En - Duskylail grouper; Fr - Mérou demideuil; Sp - Mero medioluto. 23,7 em standard fength Diagnostic characters: Body elongate, its depth 3.0 to 2.5 times in standard length (or specimens 11 10 52 om standard length); head length 2.4 to 2.7 times in standard length. Interorbital area flat to slightly convex; preopercle angle with 2 to 9 enlarged serrae; adults with a notch above preopercle angle; Upper edge of operculum straight; maxilla scaly, reaching to or beyond vertical at rear edge of eye: midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of subequal teeth. First gill arch with 25 to 28 gill rakers, of which 9110 11 on upper limb and 16 to 18 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 16 to 18 soft rays, third to fith spines longest, the interspinous membranes incised; anal fin with II spines and 8 or 9 (rarely 8) soft rays; caudal fin truncate or slightly convex; pectoral-lin rays 17 fo 19, the fin length 1.6 to 2.1 times in head length: pelvie fins 1,9 t0 2.5 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough; adults with a few small auxiliary scales: lateral-iine scales 49 to 3; lateral scalo sorios 99 to 104. Colour: head and body brownish, reddish brown or purplish grey, covered (except ventrally) with numerous reddish ‘orange, gold, or yellow spots; dorsal fin and upper third of caudal fin with spots like those on body; lower two-thirds of caudal fin dusky; spots on body of some fish with a faint dark margin; pectoral and pelvic fins and distal part of anal fin dusky; dark streak along mauillary groove. Juveniles (less than 11 cm Standard length) with 7 faint dark bars dorsally on body, the first 2 on nape, the last on caudal peduncle; all bars more or less demarcated by small dark spots; no dark spots on head or fins. Size: Maximum total length about 76 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Occurs on shallow rocky banks, but not reported from well-developed coral reels, Depth range reported as 30 to 104 m. An excellent eating fish, but apparently not abundant. Caught with hook-and-line, longlines, and trawis, Distribution: An Indo-West Pacific species occurring from the Persian Gulf to Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bor neo, Philippines, China (in- cluding Hong Kong and Talwan Province), and north coast of Australia. It Is not known from Japan, New Guinea, or any of the istands (of Micronesia or Polynesia,290 Bony Fishes Epinephelus bruneus Bloch, 1793 Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Serranus moara Temminck and Schlegel, 1842 / None. FAO names: En - Longtooth grouper; Fr - Mérou longues dents; Sp - Mero diente largo. ‘80 cm standard length (ater Masa ea. 1984) Diagnostic characters: Body elongate, its depth 3.0 f to 3.6 times in standard length; head length 2.3 to 2.5, yf Me 7p, times in standard Tong interorba area convex re: ag | Mig opercle angular, with the serrae at angle distinctly enlarged; upper spine on opercle inconspicuous; upper ledge of operculum convex; maxilla reaches past vertical at rear edge of eye; tiny embedded scales on maxilla; no - step on ventral edge of maxilla; midlateral part of lower ‘S jaw with 2 rows of well-developed canines, those juvenile along sides of upper jaw slightly smaller, nostris small, subequal. Gil rakers shorter than gil filaments; first gill arch with 24 to 27 rakers, of which 9 to 11 ‘on upper limb and 16 to 18 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 13 to 15 soft rays, the third or fourth spine longest. but shorter than the longest soft ray, the inlerspinous membranes deeply incised: anal fin with III spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin rounded: pectoral-tin rays 17 to 19, the fin length 1.9 to 2.5 times in head length; pelvic fins 2.2 to 2.6 times in head length and ending well short of anus. Midlateral body scales rough no auxiliary scales on body; lateral-line scales 64 to 72; some anterior lateral-line ‘scales on adults with branched tubes; lateral scale series 93 to 126. Colour: juveniles pale yellowish brown, the body with 6 irregular, oblique dark bars containing irregular pale spots; first bar extends from nape to eye, the last on caudal peduncle; 3 dark brown bands radiating trom lowor part of eye: some specimens with distal part of interspinous membranes greenish yellow. Adults (larger than 40 cm standard length) dark greyish brown, the bars and bands replaced by faint dorsal blotches or absent altogether, the body covered with smail pale grey spots forming short herizontal lines and a mottled pattern; lower margin of anal fin and lower commer of caudal fin with white edge, Size: Maximum total length about 100 em. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Rocky reefs and mud bottom: adults found in depths of 20 to 200 m: juveniles occur in shallow water. An excellent eating fish. In 1968, Fpinephelus bruneus was one of the most abundant species in Hong Kong waters. Caught with handlines, longlines, and tras. Distribution: Known only trom Korea, Japan (north to Hegura-jima island, 37°50'N) China (south to Hong Kong and Hainan Island), Taiwan Province of China, and Luzon Philippines. May be more widespread in the area. ele RS 0 om standard lengthPerciformes: Percoide Serraidae 2491 Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus (Bloch, 1790) | (Plate 1, 16) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Epinephelus ongus (non Bloch, 1790); E. summana {non Forsskal, 1775): E. corallicola (non Valenciennes, 1828). FAO names: En - Whitespotted grouper; Fr - Viele taches blanchos; Sp - Mero nevero. — a tnstncn 17cm standard length juveniles Diagnostic characters: Body depth distinctly less than head length, 2.9 to 3.4 times in standard length (for specimens 11 to 47 cm standard length); head length 2.3 to 2.5 times in standard length. Head pointed and the dorsal profile almost straight; preopercle rounded, finely serrate; opercular spines Inconspicuous; upper edge of operculum straight, sinuous or slightly convex; maxilla naked, mostly Covered by upper lip; canines at front of jaws small or absent; midiateral part of lower jaw with 3 to 5 rows of small teeth. In specimens more than 45 cm, the rear nostrils become vertically elongate, its length 5 or 6 times greater than diameter of anterior nostrils. First gill arch with 8 to 10 gill rakers on upper limb, 13 to 17 on lower limb (juveniles); specimens larger than 25 om with only 4 to & developed rakers on lower limb, the rudiments difficult to count because of intercalated bony tooth plates; gill rakers shorter ‘than gil flaments, the raker at angle of gill arch about twice as long as adjacent rakers. Dorsal fin with XL spines and 15 to’ 17 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 2.7 to 3.6 times in head length, the interspinous membranes incised; anal fn with III spines and 8 Soft rays; caudel fin rounded; pectoral fins large and fleshy, with 17 to 19 rays, the fin length 1.5 to 2.1 times in head length: pelvic fins end well short of anus, their length 2,0 t0 2.7 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough (1 specimen, 50 em, with "mostly smooth’ lateral body scales), with auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 51 to 61; lateral scale series 86 to 109, Colour: adults brownish grey, the body covered with small pale spots overlain with large pale blotches; oblique black saddle on rear half of peduncle; 4 or 5 indistinct black blotches at base of dorsal fin; prominent black streak on maxillary groove. Large adults brownish, covered with small, indistinct, contiguous pale spots. Juveniles (less than 25 cm) dark grey to black, covered with prominent pupil-size white spots and smaller white dots. Size: Largest specimen examined 59 cm total length; reported to 76 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral reefs, usually in or near caves; juveniles found in tidepools. Caught with hook-and-line, spear, andin traps. Prob- ably of some importance to fisheries in areas (Uap 7 where it is common. Aer Distribution: Indo-West Pacific trom South Arica to Fiji including Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan Province of China, Ja pan, Papua New Guinea, Australia (Queens land to New South Wales), Palau, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands, and Gilbert Is landsPry Bony Fishes Epinephelus chlorostigma (Valenciennes, 1828) (Plate 11, 17) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Epinephelus areolatus (non Forsskall, 1775). FAO names: En - Brownspotted grouper, Fr - Mérou pintade; Sp - Mero pintado, S2em standard fength Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.8 to 3.3 times in standard length (for specimens 12 to 51 om standard length); body width 1,8 to 2.2 times in body depth; head length 2.4 to 2.7 times in standard lenatt caudal peduncle depth 3.0 to 3.6 times in head length. Interorbital slightly convex; preopercle angular, with 4 to 7 enlarged serrae at angle; upper edge of operculum straight; maxilla reaches about to Vertical at rear edge of eye; maxilla scaly, with a low step on posterior part of ventral edge; midiateral part of lower jaw with 2 to 4 rows of teeth, the inner ones about twice size of outer teeth rear nostrils not noticeably larger than anterior nostris. First gill arch with 23 to 29 gill rakers, of which 8 to 11 on upper limb and 15 to 18 on lower limb; gill rakers longer than gil filaments. Pyloric caeca 26 to 52, Dorsal tin with XI spines and 16 to 18 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 2.4 to 3.2 times in head length, the interspinous membranes slightly to moderately incised; anal fin rounded or angular, with Ill spines ‘and soit rays, the third spine longer than second; caudal fin truncate or slightly emarginate; pectoral-fin rays 17 10 19; pectoral fins usually slightly longer than pelvic fins, 1.6 to 2.0 times in head length; pelvic fins 1.8 to 2.3 limes in head length. Lateral body scales rough, with auxiliary scales: lateral-line scales 48 to 53; lateral scale series 96 lo 122. Colour: head, body, and fins with small, irregular, close-set, dark brown spots, the ground colour forming a pale network; caudal fin usually with white line along, rear margin; spots on pectoral fins mainly contined to rays, Size: Maximum total length at least 75 cm; maximum weight 7 kg Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral roofs and also (in the South China Sea) on mud bottoms; depth range 4 to 280 m, Feeds on fishes and crustaceans (mainly stomatopods and crabs). Fomales aro mature at 23 to 29 cm total length, and sexual transition occurs between 35 and 45 cm, but all females do not change sex. Common in markets of Singapore and Hong Kong. Caught with hook-andsline, spear, traps, and trawls, Distribution: Red Sea to South Alrica and eastwards to southern Japan, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, New Ireland, Caroline Islands, American Samoa, and Fij. The wide distribution of Epinnephelus chlovostizma Nas some uz: zling gaps. There are no ver fiable records from the Co- motos, the continental shelf between Oman and Cambo: dia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan Province of China, land Australia, Records from the Persian Gull are appar: cently misidentifications of E. pobstepisPerciformes Perwoidel Serranidae 2493 Epinephetus coivides (Hamilton, 1822) | (Plate 1,18) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus suillus (Valenciennes, 1828) / Epinephelus ‘malabaricus (non Bloch and Schneider, 1801); £. tauvina (non Forsskal, 1775). FAO names: En - Orangespotied grouper; Fr - Mérou taches oranges; Sp - Mero de pintas naranjas. 31.9 em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body elongate, its depth 2.9 to 3.7 times in standard length (for specimens 10 t0 78 cm standard length): body width 1.4 to 2.0 times in body depth; head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length. Interorbital width 5.0 to 6.2 times in head length; preopercie wilh enlarged serrae at angle and a broad shallow notch just above angle; upper edge of operculum straight or somewhat convex. ‘maxilla reaches to or slightly past a vertical at rear edge of eye; upper jaw length 17 to 20% of standard length; midiateral part of lower jaw with 2 or 3 rows of subequal teeth; nostrils subequal. First gill arch with 23:10 26 gill rakers, of which 8 to 10 on upper limb and 14 to 17 on lower mb; adults with small bony platelets on lateral side of first gill arch. Pyloric caeca 50 to 60, Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 to 16 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 29 to 4.0 times in head length; anal fin with III spines and 8 soft rays, the third spine usually longer than the second; caudal fin rounded; pectoral-fin rays 18 to 20. Lateral body scales rough, with minute auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 58 to 65; lateral-line tubes of anterior scales branched in adults; lateral scale series 100 10 118. Colour: head and body tan dorsally ‘Shading to whitish ventrally: numerous small brownish orange or reddish brown spots on head, body, land median fins; body with § faint, irregular, oblique, dark bars which bifurcate ventrally; first dark bar below anterior dorsal-in spines, last bar on caudal peduncle; 2 dark spots on interopercle and another 10r 2 at junction of sub- and interopercies, Orange spots turn brown on exposure to air and become fainter (more diffuse) in preservative. Size: Maximum length at least 95 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Estuaries and offshore to depths of 100 m. Feeds on fishes, shrimps, crabs, and cophalopods. Females mature at 25 to 30 cm (2 to 3 years old), and sexual transition occurs {at'55 to 75 em. The subject of much recent research in aquaculture, the orangespotted grouper is often misidentified as *Epinephelus fauvina” or "E. malabaricus’ in the literature. Common and expensive in ‘markets of the region; sold fresh and kept alive at restaurants in Hong Kong and Taiwan Provinge of China. Caught with hook-and-line, traps, trawis, and lit nets. Distribution: Continental shores and large islands from Ried Sea to South Africa and east to the westem Pacific, where it ranges from the Ryukyu Islands of Japan to Australia and out to the is- lands of Palau and Fj.2404 _ Bony Fishes Epinephelus cyanopodus (Richardson, 1846) (Plate 11,19) Frequent synonyms /misidentifications: Epinephelus hoedti (Blocker, 1855); E, kohleri Schultz, 1953 / None. FAO names: En - Speckled grouper, Fr - Mérou bleu; Sp - Mero azul 31.9 em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body deep and compressed, its depth subequal to head length, 2.4 to 2.7, times in standard length (for specimens 11 fo 43 cm standard length); body width 1.9 to 2.8 tim in body depth. Dorsal head profile steep, the interorbital area distinctly convex; preopercle subangular, finely serrate, serrae at rounded corner slightly enlarged; opercular spines inconspicuous, upper edge of operculum straight; maxilla reaches about to vertical at rear edge of eye; midhateral part of lower jaw with 2 to 4 rows of teeth; rear nostrils of adults 2 or 3 times larger than anterior nosti's First gill arch with 24 to 27 gill rakers, of which 9 of 10 on upper limb and 15 to 17 on lower limb. Pylorie caeca very numerous. Dorsal fin with X1 spines and 16 or 17 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 2.2 to 2.8 times. in head length, the interspinous membranes not or only slightly incised: anal fin with Ill spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin truncate or slightly emarginate; pectoral fins thin (not fleshy), with 18 0 20 rays, ¢ subequal to pelvic fins, their length 1.7 to 2.0 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough, with auxiliary lateral scale series 128 to 147. Colour: adults usually pale bluish grey, covered with black dots and a few scattered, irregular black spots; broad black submarginal band on caudal fin of some large juveniles; pelvic fins usually black tipped. Juveniles with yellow fins; body of small juveniles (to 12 cm standard length) mainly yellow, the head and front part of body with a wash of bluish grey and faint dark dots. Size: Maximum length 120 om. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Usually found on isolated coral heads in lagoons or bays, but also caught at depths to 150'm on outer ree! area. Swims out in the open, several metres above the bottom, and is readily caught by anglers at night. Feeds on fishes and calappid crabs. In the 1960's, the speckled grouper was abundant at Macclesfield Bank and Pratas Reel in the South China Sea. It is caught with tawls, hhandlines, and longlines. Marketed fresh, Distribution: Western Pacific, from southern Japan to southern Queensland and east to Fiji and islands of Micronesia; also known from Taiwan Province of China, Hong Kong, Viet Nam, Gulf of Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Lord Howe Island. The only record from the Indian Ocean (a specimen in the Vi- enna Museum, NMW 40520, 29.3 em standard length, from Western Australia) is dubious; the species is not known from Western Australia, and there are no specimens from there inthe Western Australian Mu-res: Provide Seranidae 2495 Epinephetus daemelii (Gunther, 1876) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / None FAO names: En - Saddletail grouper; Fr - Mérou troussequin; Sp - Mero montado. 23.5 em standard length lagnostic characters: Body depth 2.9 to 3.3 times in standard length (for specimens 11 to 45 cm standard length); head length 2.3 to 2.5 times in standard length. Interorbital area flat to slightly convex; dorsal head profile almost straight; preopercle rounded, finely serrate; opercular spines inconspicu- ‘ous; upper edge of operculum distinctly convex. Maxilla reaches well past eye; canines at front of jaws well developed, particularly the inner depressible teeth at symphysis of upper jaw; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of large teeth. Rear nostils of adults 2 to 4 times larger than anterior hostrils. First gil arch with 25 to 28 gil akers, of which 9 to 12 on upper limb and 15 to 19 lower limb: longest gill aker shorter than longest gill filaments. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 soft rays, third to last spines subequal and shorter than longest dorsal-fin rays, the interspinous membranes incised; anal {in with Til spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin rounded; pectoral fins fleshy, with 17 to 19 rays, the fin length 1.6 to 2.1 times in head length; pelvic fins not reaching anus, their length 2.1 to 2.5 times in head lenath. Lateral body scales smooth (except for area covered by pectoral fins), with auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 63 to 71; lateral scale series 111 to 126. Colour: variable, can change quickly from uniformly dark brown or black to a pale greyish or brown with 4 irregular, oblique, dark bands; first band from anterior dorsal-fin spines to upper edge of operculum; bands darkest dorsally, where they contain ‘small, irregular pale spots; ventrally, the bands break up into irregular dark markings; a fifth dark band from nape to eye and a black saddle blotch on peduncle; median and pelvic fins with narrow white margins on some fish. Large adults often uniformly dark brown or black (especially in estuaries), the underside of head pale and a few pale spots on cheeks. Small juveniles with dark spots on edges of dark body bars and extend onto median fins. Size: Maximum length at least 122 cm; maximum weight 64 kg, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Rocky reels from near shore to depths of at least 50 m. An aggressive territorial species that may occupy a particular cave for lfe. Sex change (from female to male) occurs at a length of 100 to 110 cm. Juveniles feed on crabs and fishes. An esteemed food fish, avidly sought by anglers and spearfishermen, Distribution: Temperate and subtropical waters of south- western Pacific: Australia (from southern Queensland to South Australia), Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Ker- madec Islands, and New Zea- land (North Isiand and Poor Knights Islands),2496 Bony Fishes 1.20) Epinephelus epistictus (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) (Plate Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus praeopercularis Boulenger, 1887 ! Epinephelus ‘mugniseuttis non Postel, Fourmanoir, and Gu6zé, 1963; £. heniochus non Fowler, 1904. FAO names: En - Dotted grouper; Fr - Mérou pale; Sp - Mero palido. 82.4. standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth 3.0 to 3.3 times in standard length (for specimens 12 to 50 cm standard length); head length 2.2 to 2.5 times in standard length, Interorbital area and dorsal head profile slightly convex; preopercle angle produced, with 3 to 5 distinctly enlarged serrae; upper edge of ‘operculum straight oF slightly convex; maxilia reaches to, almost to, or slightly past vertical at rear edge ‘of eye; adults with a step or abrupt bend on ventral edge of maxilla; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows ‘of teeth, the inner ones slightly larger; nostrils of adults subequal, or rear nostris about twice as large as anteriors. First gill arch with 7 to 10 gill rakers on upper limb, 15 ta 19 on lower limb; Iength of longest gill, raker subequal to longest gil laments. Pyloric cavca 7 to 10. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 or 15 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, usually shorier than longest soft ray, the interspinous membranes deeply incised; anal fn with Il spines and 8 soft rays; caudal in slightly to moderately rounded: ppectoral-fin rays 17 to 19, the fin length 1.6 to 2.1 times in head length; pelvic fins end well short of anus. {heir length 2.0 to 2.6 times in head! length. Lateral body scales rough, witha few auxiliary scales in adults: lateral-line scales 57 to 70; lateral scale series 105 to 127. Colour: head and body pale brownish or greenish grey, with conspicuous, small, brownish black spots on dorsolateral part of body, rear Part of head, and on median fins; some specimens with faint dark band fram eye to end of operculum, another from'eye to notch of preopercie, and third a continuation of maxillary streak; pectoral-tin rays brownish, the membranes clear. Juveniles with dark spots on head and body arranged in 3 longitudinal Size: Maximum total length about 80 cm; maximum weight 7 kg, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Rocky and trawiablo bottoms in depths of 71 to 290 m. Nothing has been Published on the biology of Epinephelus episticrus, Probably of some commercial importance, but separate catch statistics are not available for this épecies. Caught with trawis and handlines. Distribution: Mainly conti nental localities in the tropical Indo-West Pacific region. from Red Sea to South Arica and across northern Indian Ocean to Viet Nam, China (in cluding Hong Kong and Fujian ‘and Taiwan provinces), Ko- rea, Japan, Ogasawara Is. lands, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Austra: laPeseiformes:Peovidl: Seana 2497 Epinephelus ergastularius Whitley, 1930 Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Epinephelus septemfasciatus (non Thunberg, 1793); E, octofasciatus non Griffin, 1926. FAO names: En - Sevenbar grouper; Fr - Mérou sept rales; Sp - Mero de siete bandas, Diagnostic characters: Body depth 26 to 2.9 times in Standard length (for speemens 19 fo 89 om standard iengtty, nead tengih 24 to 26 times in standard length Interorbltal area and dorsal head profile slighty convex: &S preopercle finely serrate, the serrae on the rounded ~<> Comer not enlarged and the ventral edge with 1 to ~ Small serra; upper edge of operculum almost staight maxila reaches fo or almost to vertical at ear edgo of eye! mislaeral part of lower jaw vith 2 rows of teeth, rear nosis of adults 2 to times larger than anterior nostrils. Fict gil arch with 7 t0 9 gi akors on upper Timb, Td or 18.on Tower mb, outer side of fst gil arch with small bony toath plates. Dorsal fin with XL spines and aor 18 soft rays, the thd spine usualy longest, 2 6032 timesin heed length anc subequal te lonath of lngest soft ay the inforspinous membranes deeply incised. anal fm with Il spines and 9 or 10 ott rays, caudal fn slighty roundeain uvenles, uncateto slighty emerginate im aduts,pectora-in Siystb.or 18 hein engin 17102 mes mnead length. pelvic ne Setinety shorter than pectoral ins aleat body scales rough no ausiary scales: lateravine scales 69 to 70; lateral scale sories 103 116. Colour: body of juveniles brown, with 7 broad derk bars, the first from dorsab-fin origin to upper cuge of oporculumn, the last bar covering most of caudal peduncte, te upper half black; the pale Spaces separating second and third dark bars and that between fourth and fifth dark bars are narrower than those between third and fourth or fourth and ith and sixth dark bats; prominent black manily steak, masian ana poli ns datk browns pecora ins hyaline brown, peviins blackish brown, Agus pratish grey, ih no taco of Gark bar fins Garker than body and with whte margins (except slong Spinous part of dorsal fn). Size: Maximum toll length at least 157 em: maximum weigh about 68 kg Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Aduts are Caught in doptne of 108 to 970 my juveniles fre ound in depths of 13 t0-128 m. Com monty caught wth Rook-and-ine af the Coast of New South Wales Distribution: Known only frm east coast of Austala betwoen 18° and 30'S.2498 Bony Fishes Epinephelus fasciatomaculosus (Peters, 1866) (Plate 11,21) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus fasciaromaculatus (Peters, 1866) (misspelling) / Epinephelus akaara (non Temminck and Schlegel, 1842); £. diacanthus (non Valenciennes, 1828); E. sexfasciatus (non Valenciennes, 1828) FAO names: En - Rock grouper; Fr - Mérou rocaille; Sp - Mero de las piedras. Ah Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.8 to 3.3 times in standard length (for specimens 9 to 29 om standard length); head length 2.4 to 2.6 times in standard length. Interorbital area and dorsal head profile slightly convex; preopercle angular, the serrae at the angle slightly enlarged; upper edge of opercu- lum straight; maxilla reaches about to below rear third of eye or a litle past eye; midiateral part of lower Jaw with 2 oF 3 rows of subequal teeth; nostrils subequal First gill arch with 7 of 8 gill akers on upper limb, 14 to 16 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 2,503.1 times in head length, and a ite shorter than longest dorsal-fin rays, the interspinous membranes incised; anal fin with itl spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin rounded; pectoral-in rays 17 to 19, he fin length 1.5 to 1.8 times in head length; pelvic fins not reaching past anus, their length 1.9 to 2.3 times in hoad length, Lateral body scales rough, with auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 48 to 52; lateral scale seri 92 to 106. Colour: head and body pale greyish brown, with numerous small dark brown, brownish, yellow or russet spots; 5 slightly oblique broad dark bars usually visible on body, the last covering, Peduncle, the first 4 extending into dorsal fin; the first 2 bars are darker dorsally and extend to the margin of spinous dorsal fin; ventral parts of head and body whitish or pinkish; soft dorsal, caudal, and anal fins with faint pale spots and streaks; minute gold tag often visible at tips of some dorsal-fi spines. Dark ody bars faint in adults and may be lost in proservative, except for dorsal part of first 2 bars, Size: Maximum total length about 30 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Shallow rocky areas. Feeds on fishes, prawns, crabs, worms, and Gastropods. Females mature at 12.5 om standard length, and most sexual transition occurs in fish 2 oF 3 years old (14 to 16 cm). Maximum age is 6 years. Of sone commercial importance in Hong Kong and Taiwan Province of China. Although a small specios, itis excellent as a food lish and brings a good price. Caught with trawls, gill nets, and hook-and-line Distribution: Westen Pacific. [Wx from southern Japan to Ma: ic laysia, including Taiwan Prov- ince of China, Philippines, Viet Nam, China, Hong Kong, Hainan, and Sarawak.eiformes: Poco Sernidac 2499) Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskil, 1775) | (Plate 111,22) Frequent synonyms / mi Blookor, 1868. FAO names: En - Blacktip grouper; Fr - Mérou oriflamme; Sp - Mero banderila, lentifications: Epinephelus emoryi Schultz, 1853 / Epinephelus retouti non 170m standard tength Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.8 to 3.3 times in standard length (for specimens 10 to 26 om standard length); head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length, Preopercle rounded, the rear edge sertate; upper edge of operculum straight; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 to 4 rows of teeth; nostril subequal. First gill arch with 6 to 8 gil rakers on upper limb, 15 to 17 on lower limb. Pyloric caeca 10 to 16. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, the third to eleventh spines subequal and slightly shorter than longest dorsal-fin ray, the interspinous membranes distinctly incised; anal fin with Ill spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin slightly to moderately rounded; Central-Pacitic specimens often with truncate caudal fins; pectoral-in rays 18 to 20, the fin length 1.5 to 2.0 in head length; pelvic fins not reaching past anus. Lateral body scales rough, with numerous auxiliary scales; nape and dorsopos- terior part of head densely covered with minute auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 49 to 75; lateral scale series 92 to 195. Colour: ground colour pale greenish grey, to pale reddish yellow to scarlet; body often with 5 oF 6 faint dark bars, the last on peduncle; body scales (except ventrally) with pale ‘centre and dark rear margin, producing a faint checked pattern; usually with irregular pale blotches ‘and spots on body (a midiateral series diminishing in size posteriorly from behind pectoral-in base to ‘caudal peduncle) and dark brown line along crease of dorsal-fin base; dorsal part of head and nape, including upper jaw, dark red or reddish brown or with bands and blotches of similar colour, most specimens with dark band from below eye to interopercle; rim of orbit black and often bordered by @ pale bluish line. Fins reddish orange, pale yellowish green or greenish brown, the outer triangular part of interspinous membranes of dorsal fin black (dark red in fish from Western Australia and in some specimens from deep water), with pale yellow or white spot behind tip of each spine. Size: Maximum total length about 40 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral reefs and rocky bottom from shore to depths of 160m. Feeds during day and night on brachyuran crabs, fishes, shrimps, galatheid crabs, stomatopods, ophiuroids, and ‘octopus. Abundant in shallow water and widely used for food. Readily caught with hook-and-line, spear, traps, and gill nets Distribution: Indo-West Pa- cific region from Red Sea to Pitcairn Islands; in the west- fern Pacific from Japan (south (of 93°) and Korea to southern Queensland and Lord Howe Island, and including virtually all tropical islands of the re gion.2500 Bony Fishes Epinephelus faveatus (Valenciennes, 1828) (Plate 11,23) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None | Epinephelus macrospilos (non Blocker, 1855); E_quoyanus (non Valenciennes, 1830); E. merra non Bloch, 1793; £. spilotoceps non Schultz, 1853, E, hexagonatus (non Forster, 1801). FAO names: En - Barredchest grouper; Fr - Mérou écharpe; Sp - Mero bandead. Diagnostic characters: Body depth 3.0 to 3.5 times in standard length (for specimens 9 to 26 cm standard length); head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length; caudal peduncle depth 3.8 to 4.3 times inhead length. intororbital area flat or slightly concave, the dorsal head profile convex; preopercle rounded, with shallow indentation just above corner and slightly enlarged serrae at the corner, upper edge of operculum slightly convex; maxila reaches past vertical at rear edge of eye; midiateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth; nostrils subequal. First gill arch with 7 to 10 gill rakers on upper mb, 14 to 16 on lower limb. Pyloric caeca about 25. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 16 to 18 soft rays, the third or fourth spine longest, 2.6 to 3.9 times in head length and shorter than longest dorsal-fin rays, the interspinous membranes incised; anal fin with Ill spines and 8 soft rays, the second and third spines subequal, 2.6, to 4.3 times in head length; caudal fin rounded, length of middle rays 1.65 to 1.9 times in head length; pectoral-fin rays 17 to 19, the fin length 1.7 to 2.2 times in head length: pelvic fins reaching us, 2.2 to 2.6 limes in head length. Lateral body scales smooth (except for area covered by pectoral fin), with numerous auxiliary scales; lateral-tine scales 48 to 52; lateral scale series 83 10 98. Colour: head, body, and fins pale, covered with close-set roundish brown spots of unequal size, most of those on body larger than pupil; 4 groups of 2 or 3 spots at base of dorsal fin darker than other spots on body; 2 oblique dark bands on side of chest; pectoral fins dusky, with dark blotch at base and obscure dark spots, more distinct on inner surface of fin; spots on rmedian fins darker than those on body. Size: Maximum total length 40 em. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Shallow-water coral reets and rocky areas. Apparently a small species; females are mature at 17 om standard length. Separate statistics are nol available for this species, but undoubtedly of importance in artisanal fisheries, Caught with hook-and-line, gill nets, lit nets, traps, and spear. Et ene Distribution: _ Northeastern Indian Ocean: Southern India Sri Lanka, and southern Indo- nesia (Bali and Lombok). Epinephelus faveatus has only recently been recognized ‘and distinguished trom similar species, so itis likely that its distribution is continuous from - Pakistan to Indonesia, f ‘ -Pereiformes: Poroide: Seana Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskal, 1775) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Epinephelus polyphekadion (non Bleeker, 1849) ‘microdon (Bleeker, 1856). FAO names: En - Brownmarbled grouper; Fr - Mérou marron; Sp - Mero manchado. Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.6 to 2.9 times in standard length (for specimens 11 to 55 om standard length): head lengin 2.3 to 2.5 times in standard length. Interorbital area flat or slightly concave; dorsal head profile of adults indented at eyes and distinctly convex from there t dorsal-fin origin; upper edge of operculum distinctly convex, descending almost vertically to res end of operculum; ventral edge of preorbital bone indented below nostrils. Maxilla extends well posterior to eye; midlateral part of lower jaw with 3 or 4 rows of teeth, the inner teeth about twice length of ‘outer teeth: canines inconspicuous; nostrils close together; posterior nostrils triangular, 4 to 7 times larger than anteriors in adults. First gill arch with 10 to 12 gill rakers on upper limb, 17 to 21 on lower limb (but rudiments often difficult to count); gill rakers short and stout, raker at angle subequal to longest gill flaments, other rakers distinctly shorter. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 or 45 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 2.9 to 3.5 times in head length and obviously shorter than longest dorsaltin rays, the interspinous membranes distinctly incised; anal fin with III spines and 8 soft rays: caudal fin rounded: pectoral-fin rays 18 to 20, the fin length 1.7 to 2.1 times in head length; pelvic, fine not reaching anus, 2.0 to 2.5 times in head length. Lateral body scales smooth, with auxiliary scales: lateral-iine scales 52 to 58; lateral scale series 102 to 115. Colour: pale yellowish brown, with 5 vertical series of dark brown blotches that are very irregular in outline; head, body, and fins covered with close-set small brown spots, those on the dark blotches much darker than spots in between blotches; small black saddle spot on rear halt of peduncle; 2 or 3 faint, dark bars at side of jaws. Size: Maximum total length at least 95 cm (120 cm and 11 kg inthe Philippines}. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Shallow coral reefs and rocky bottoms to depths of 60 m; juveniles in ‘Seagrass areas. Feeds on fishes, crabs, and cephalopods. implicated in ciguatera fish poisonings at some Pacttic localities, Occasionally seen in local markets. Usedin cage culture operations in Singapore. Caught with hook-andt-line, traps, and spear. Distribution: Indo-West Pa- cific region from Red Sea to Phoenix Islands, including In- donesia, Japan, Philippines, New Guinea, tropical coast of Australia, New Caledonia, ‘and most tropical islands of the region; not known from Persian Gulf, Asian mainland, Hawaii or French Polynesia.Bony Fishes Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus hata Katayama, 1983 / Epinephelus epistictus (non Temminck and Schlegel, 1842). FAO names: En - Bridled grouper; Fr - Mérou bride; Sp - Mero embridado. 27 em standard lent Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.7 to 3.2 times in standard length (for specimens 10 to 27 em standard length); head length 2.2 to 2.4 times in standard length. Interorbital area slightly convex; dorsal head profile convex; preopercle angular, with 2 to 4 distinctly enlarged serrae at the angle: upper edge of operculum appro: ately straight; maxilla usually reaches to or slightly past a vertical at roar edge of eye; lower edge of maxilla with a step-like bend in adults; canines at front of jaws well developed, especially in upper jaw; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth; rear nostrils about twice as large as anterior nostrs. First gill arch with 7 to 9 gill rakers on upper limb, 14 to 16 on lower limb, Pyloric eaeca 7 or 8. Dorsal fin with X1 spines and 14 or 15 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 3.0 to 3.8 times in head length and shorter than longest dorsal-fin rays; anal fin with Ill spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin rounded; pectoral-tin rays 16 to 18, the fin length 1.6 10 1.9 times in head length; and pelvic fins 4.9 to 2.4 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough, ithout auxiliary scales; lateral-line Scales 54 to 60; lateral scale series 89 to 100. Colour: head and body pale brown dorsally, shading to whitish or pale pink ventrally; some specimens with minute brownish black dots on body and rear part of head; faint dark brown stripe from eye to end of operculum, another darker stripe from lower edge of eye to subopercie and a third from edge of preorbital to interopercl ectoral fins hyaline greyish yellow; lower part of caudal fin sometimes darker than rest of fin; margin of interspinous dorsal fin membranes yellow. Size: Maximum total length at least 43 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Most specimens have been taken with trawls on mud or silty sand bottom in depths of 40 to.235 m, Nothing has been published on the biology ofthis species. Reported as "common but not abundant’ in the South China Sea, and “not a very popular food fish” in the markets of Singapore. Caught with travis and vertical ionglines, Distribution: Tropical west- fern Pacific: Singapore, Indo- a5" nesia, the Philippines, Gulf of 5-32 Thailand, Viet Nam, northem Australia, and New Britain, Al |S 7% ee though Katayama’s type specimens of Epinephelus ‘hata woro purchased from the Nagasaki fish market, the ab sence of other records of hheniochus from Japan indi- cates that the types of £. hata may have been caught south of Japan.Serranidae 2503 Epinephelus hexagonatus (Forster, 1801) | (Plate 11,24) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Nono / Epinephelus merra non Bloch, 1793; E. macrospilos (non Bleeker, 1855); E. spilotoceps non Schultz, 1953; E: quoyanus (non Valenciennes, 1830) FAO names: En - Starspotted grouper; Fr - Mérou mélifére; Sp - Mero mielero, 15.2 cm standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.8 to 3.4 times in standard length (lor specimens 10 to 17 em standard length); head length 2.5 to 2.6 times in standard length, Preopercle rounded, the ventral serrae slightly enlarged: upper edge of operculum convex; midiateral part of lower jaw with 3 to 5 rows of teeth; ‘nostrils subequal. First gil arch with 7 to 9 gill rakors on uppor limb, 17 to 19 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, the fifth to ninth spines subequal (2.5 to 2.8 times in head length) {and slightly shorter than longest soft rays; anal fin with III spines and 8 soft cays, the second spine 2.1 t02.5 times in head length, distinctly longer than third spine or depth of peduncle; caudal in rounded; pectoralin rays 17 to 19, the fin length 1.6 to 1.9 times in head length; pelvic fins not reaching past anus, 1.8 to 2.1 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough, with auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 61 to 70; lateral scale series 93 to 114. Colour: head and body covered with polygonal (mostly hexagonal) brown spots that tend to merge, leaving only conspicuous triangular white dots at corners of the polygons; dark spots on belly and ventral part of head more rounded and separated, and often reddish brown; 4 or 5 brownish black saddle blotches (formed by groups of darker spots) ‘on dorsal part of body and caudal peduncle, the first 4 extending onto base of dorsal fin; irregular dark bar, formed by darker polygonal spots, on lower part of body below each saddle blotch; large brown of olive spot just behind eye, often joined to similar spot on opercle; fins with close-set dark brown or reddish brown spots and white dots, except distal halt of pectoral fins with faint dark spots and no white dots; pelvic and anal fins with pale edge and dark brown submarginal band; interspinous dorsal-fin membranes with dark brown triangle and short white or pale yellow filament behind tip of each spine. Size: Maximum total length about 26 om. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: A common coral-reet species, usually found in shallow outer-reet areas exposed to surge. Feeds mainly on fishes and crustaceans. Too small to be of commercial importance except as a food fish in artisanal fisheries. Caught with hook-and-line, raps, spear, and gill nets. Distribution: Tropical indo- West Pacific region from Kenya to the Pitcairn Group. Known from most tropical Indo-Pacific islands (both on ‘and off the Pacific Plate), in- Cluding islands of the Great Barrier Reef, but no verifiable records from the mainland coast of Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Tatwan Prov: ince of China, or Hawailsn Bony Fishes Epinephelus irroratus (Forster, 1801) | (Plate 1V,25) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus spiniger Gunther, 1859; E. albopunctulatus Boulenger, 1895 //None. FAO names: En - Marquesan grouper; Fr - Mérou Marquises; Sp - Mero marquesano. 20,7 em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.7 to 3.3 times in standard length (lor specimens 14 to 28 cm standard length); head length 2.4 to 2.6 times in standard length, Interorbital area and dorsal head profile slightly convex; preopercie corner rounded and slightly indented, the lower serrae scarcely enlarged: upper ‘edge of operculum almost straight; maxila reaching to or lust past vertical at rear edge of eye; midlateral pai of lower jaw with 2 to 4 rows of teeth; rear nostril about twice size of anterior nostri First gill arch with 6 to 8 gill rakers on upper limb, 13 to 16 on lower limb. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 16 soit rays, the second spine elongated in adults, more than twice length of third spine, the interspinous mem- branes not or only slightly incised: anal fin with IIl spines and & soft rays; caudal fin truncate to slightly rounded; pectoral-tin rays 18 to 20, the fin length 1.6 to 1.9 times in head length; pelvic fins not reaching past anus, 1.8 to 2 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough, with auxliary scales; lateral-line scales 70 to 75; lateral scale series 117 to 136. Colour: reddish brown with white dot on each scale (dots ‘may not persist in preservative); maxillary streak dark reddish brown; spinous dorsal fin with prominent dark red margin; white line along rear edges of median and pectoral fins. Size: Maximum total length at least 34 cm Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Abundant in shallow water around fringing coral reefs. Nothing has beon published on ihe biology of this species, but itis of considerable interest to the artisanal fishery of the Marquesas Islands. Caught ny —— with hook-and-ine, spear, and traps. Distribution: Known only from the Marquesas Islands and from a single specimen taken at Minami Tort Shima (Marcus Island), but the latter record may be erroneous. w ~Perciformes: Peroidl: Sera - 250s Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch, 1790) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Promicrops lanceolatus (Bloch, 1780) / Epinephelus tawvina (non Forsskal, 1775). FAO names: En - Giant grouper; Fr - Mérou lancéolé; Sp - Mero lanceolado, Diagnostic characters: Body robust, its width 1.6 to 1.75 times in body depth; body depth 2.4 10 3.4 {imes in standard length (for specimens 12 [0 179 cm standard tenth): head length 2.2 to 2.7 times in standard length; eye diameter 5.8 to 14 times in head length: interorbital width 3.3 (at 177 em standard length) to 6.2 (at 12 em standard length) times in head length. Interorbital area flat to slightly Convex, the dorsal head profile convex: preapercie finely serrate, the corner rounded: upper edge of operculum convex; maxila reaching past eye, midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 or 3 rows of teeth {at 20 to 25 em standard length) increasing to 15 or 16 rows in a specimen of 177 em standard length; canine teeth at front of jaws small or absent; nostis subequal. First il arch of juveniles with 8 to 10 gill rakers on upper limb and 14 to 17 on lower mb; rudiments in adults are dificult to distinguish from bony platelets covering gil arch. Dorsal in with XI spines and 14 to 16 soit rays, the third to eleventh spines subequal, shorter than longest soft rays and 3.1 to 5.7 times in head length; anal fn with Il Spinos and 8 soft rays; caudal in rounded; pectoral-fin ays 18 to 20, the fin length 1.8 fo 2.2 times in head tength; pelvi fins not reaching anus, 2.1 10 2.6 mes in head length. Lateral body scales smooth, with auntiary scales; lateral-line seales 84 to 62, the anterior scales with branched tubules (except small juveniles); lateral scale serios 95 to 105. Colour: small juveniles (less than 15 cm) yellow, with 3 Irregular black areas, the first from spinous dorsal fin to belly and chest and extending onto head, the second from base of soft dorsal fin to anel fin and the last at base of caudal fin; subadults (25 to.60 cm) with irregular white oF yellow spots on the black areas and fins with black spots; adults {G0 to 165 em) dark brown with faint mottling, the fins with numerous small black spots; large adults (180 to 250 om) dark brown, fins darker. Size: One of the largest groupers, attains 260 om total length; maximum weight 288 ka Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Occurs in caves on coral reefs and around wrecks; juveniles and adults algo found in estuaries and harbours. Caught at depths of 100 m, but more often in shallow water. Feeds ‘on crustaceans (mainly spiny lobsters and large crabs), a variely of fishes including sharks and batoids, land juvenile sea turtles. Not common enough to be of commercial importance: rare in some places due to [SP Spearfishing. Caught with hook-andsine and spear." Distribution: Indo-Pacific region rom Red Sea to South Arica and eastwards to Hawaiian and Pitcairn islands, including Japan, Taiwan Province of China, Philippines. Indonesia, Thalland, Australia, and islands ofthe Central Pacitic2506 __Bony Fishes Epinephelus latifasciatus (Temminck and Schleg: 1.1842) | (Plate Tv, 26) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Fpinephelus grammicus (Day, 1867) Epinephelus epistictus (non Temminck and Schlegel, 1842); F. poectlonoms (non Temminck and Schlagel, 1842) FAO names: En - Striped grouper; Fr - Mérou a bandes; Sp - Mero abanderado Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.9 to 3.4 ‘standard length (for specimens 13 to 62 cm standard “ee length); head length 23 to 2.6 times in standard length. ne) Interorbital area convex, the dorsal head profile convex: rl preopercle angular, with 3 to 7 distinctly enlarged ce serrae at angle; upper edge of operculum distinctly convex; maxilla reaches past vertical at rear edge of eye. mmidlateral part of lower jaw with 2 or 3 rows of teeth: ‘Ss i nostrils subequal. First gill arch with 8 to 11 gill rakers on juvenile Upper limb, 15 to 18 on lower limb, Dorsal fin with XI spines and 12 to 14 soft rays, the third or fourth spine longest, 2.9 to 3.9 times in head and not much shorter than longest soft rays, the interspinous ‘membranes incised; anal fin with Ill spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin truncate in large adults, the rear margin convex in juveniles; pectoral-in rays 17 to 19, the fin length 1.8 to 2.2 times in head length; pelvic fins not reaching anus, 2.2 to 2.6 times in head length. Lateral body scales smooth; lateraltine scales 56 to 65; lateral scale series 91 to 106. Colour: juveniles lavender-grey or pale brownish, shading to whitish ventrally; 2 black-edged white longitudinal bands, the upper band from above eye to anterior dorsal-fin rays, and the lower band from below eye to lower caudal-fin rays; dorsal and caudal fins with black spots and streaks; white bands disappearing on adults, the dark edges breaking into dashes and spots; head and body of large adults uniformly grey. Size: Maximum total length 157 em; maximum weight 58.6 kg, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: The preferred habitat seems to be bottoms of low root; adults are taken ‘on coarse sand or rocky areas, while juveniles are found on silty-sand and mud bottom. Depths range from 20 to at least 230 m. Common in markets of the Persian Gulf, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. Caught with hook-and-ine, longlines, trawls, and traps. Distribution: Indo-West Pa Gific region, including the Red Sea, Persian Gull, Gulf of Oman, Pakistan, coast of In- dia, Viet_Nam, Hong Kong, China (Shanghai), Korea, southern Japan, Taiwan Prov. ince of China, and northwest Australia. The banded grouper seems to prefer continental lo- caities, butitis not known from the east coast of Africa, is lands of the Indian Ocean, Philippines, or New Guinea, 7.6 em standard lengthPeteiformes: Peco: Strand Epinephelus longispinis (Kner, 1864) | __ (Plate 1,27) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Epineplelus gaimardi (Valenciennes, 1830); E: fario (nomen dublum): #. maculatus (non Bloch, 1780) FAO names: En - Longspine grouper: Fr - Mérou longues épines; Sp - Mero espigén, cm standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.8 to 3.3 times in standard length (tor specimens 13 to 35 cm standard length); head length 2.4 to 2.6 times in standard length. Interorbital area flat to slightly convex, the dorsal head profile convex; preopercle corner with enlarged serrae and a shallow indentation just above the comer; upper edge of operculum straight or slightly convex; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of eye, the ventral edge with a blunt hook-like process distally in fishes larger {than 35 em standard length; midlatoral part of lowor jaw with 2 rows of teeth; posterior nostrils not much, larger than anteriors. First gill arch with 8 to 11 gil rakers on upper limb, 15 to 17 on fower limb. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 16 or 17 soft rays, the third or fourth spine longest, 2.1 to 2.6 times in head length and distinctly longer than longest dorsal-fin rays, the interspinous membranes slightly incised between anterior spines and not incised between posterior spines; anal fin with III spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin convex; pectoral-in rays 17 to 19, the fin length 1.5 to 1.9 times in head length; pelvic fins ‘not reaching anus, 1.8 to 2.2 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough, with numerous auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 49 to 53; lateral scale series 98 to 121. Colour: head and body pale greyish brown, covered with small, dark reddish brown spots that are round and widely spaced on head and front half of body, but obliquely elongated, closer together and darker posteriorly; fins with similar dark brown spots; a row of dark spots along distal margin of soft dorsal and caudal fins. Juveniles with fewer dark spots on head and body, and 2 to 4 dark blotches on body at base of dorsal fin and extending onto fin; ventral part of head and body with irregular white spots; white blotch on upper part of operculum. Size: Maximum total length at least 55 om. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Usually found on coral reefs or rocky areas and occasionally on sandy bottom; depths of capture range from 1 to 70 m. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, especially crabs and stomatopods, and rarely on fish and squid. Caught with hook-and-line, spear, traps, and in trawls. Distribution: Continental and insular localities in Indian ‘Ocean from Kenya to South Arica and east to the Watu- bela Group of the eastern Banda Sea. Not known from the Ried Sea or Persian Gul2508 Bony Fishes cer, 1855) (Plate 1V, 28) Epinephelus macrospilos (Ble« Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Epinephelus quovanus (non Valenciennes, 1830); E. faveatus (non Valenciennes, 1828); E. corallicala (non Valenciennes, 1828); E. howlandi (non Ganther, 1873), FAO names: En - Snubnose grouper; Fr - Mérou tapis; Sp - Mero alfombrado. Diagnostic characters: Body depth 3.0 to 3.6 times in standard length, head longth 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length; caudal peduncle depth 3.2 to 3.7 times in head length. Interorbital area flat or slightly concave, the dorsal head profile of adults with a ventral bend at orbits; preoper- cle rounded, with minute serrae mostly covered by skin and a shallow indentation just above the “corner”; upper ‘edge of operculum straight or slightly convex; maxilla juven reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of orbit, tho ventral edge smoothly curved al distal expansion; lower aw strongly projecting, the midlateral part with 2 to 4 rows of teeth; rear nostrils usually distinctly larger than anterior nostils. First gil arch with 21 to 26 gill rakers, of which 7 to 9 on upper limb and 14 to 17 on lower limb. Pyloric easea 25 to 27. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 2.3 to 3.4 times in head length and shorter than longest dorsal-fin rays; anal fin with Ill spines and 8 soit rays, the second and third spines subequal 2.8 to 4.2 times in head length; caudal fin roundod, length of middle rays 1.5 to 2.0 times in head length: pectoral-tin rays 17 to-20, the fin length 1.5 to 2 times in head length pelvic-tin length 1.8 to 2.5 times in head length. Lateral body scales smooth, except for area covered by pectoral fins; lateral-line scales 48 to 52; lateral scale series 86 to 103. Colour: head and body pale greyish brown, with dark brown spots (centre of spots darker than the diffuse edges) that are large and well-sepa- rated in young, becoming relatively smaller, more numerous and closer together in adults; median and pelvic fins with similar dark spots; pectoral fins usually dusky with a few dark spots and white line along the edge; some specimens with faint oblique dark line across lower part of chest; median {ins with narrow pale margin posteriorly; no dark spots on underside of lower jaw. Juveniles with prominent white blotches as shawn in figure. ‘Sem standard length Size: Maximum total length at least 51 cm. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral roots to dopths of at loast 44 m. Foods on crustaceans (mainly crabs), fishes, octopus, and squid. Common in some aroas and important in artisanal fisheries. Caught with hook-and-line, spear, and traps, Distribution: Indo-Pacitic regian from Arica (Kenya to South Africa) to Central Pacific, including Cocos-Keeling, | ¥ Indonesia, Okinawa, Western Australia | (Scott Reef), Great Barrier Reet Marquesas, and most western Pacific islands (both on and off the Pacific Plate) Not known from Hed Sea, Persian Gull, Asian continent, or HawaiPereiformes: Pecoidi: Strand Epinephelus maculatus (Bloch, 1790) | (Plate LV, 29) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus medurensis (Gunther, 1873) / Epinephelus macrospilas (non Bleeker, 1855). FAO names: En - Hightin grouper; Fr - Mérou haute voile; Sp - Mero aleta alta 40cm standard length gnostic characters: Body depth 2.8 to 3.1 times in standard length; head length 2.4 to 2.6 times in standard length. Interorbital area flat to slightly convex, the dorsal head protile convex: preopercie with a shallow indentation just Above the enlarged serrae at the corner; upper edge of ‘operculum straight or slightly convex: maxilla reaches to or ez past vertical at rear edge of eve, the ventral edge with a blunt SS hook-like process distally in fishes larger than 95 cm —_juvenil standard length, midiateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth; nostrils subequal. First gill arch with 8 to 10 gill rakers on upper limb, 15 to 17 on lower limb. Pyloric caeca 30 to 45. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, the third or fourth spine longest, 2.1 to 2.6 times in head length and distinctly longer than dorsaicfin rays, the interspinous membranes slightly incised between anterior spines and not incised posteriorly: anal fin with lll spines and 8 soft rays, the third spine longest, 3.3 to 4.1 times in head length and not longer than caudal peduncle depth; caudal fin convex or rounded; pectoral-fin rays 17 to 19, the fin length 1.5 to 1.9 times in head length; pelvic fins reaching to or near anus, 1.7 to 2.0 times in head length. Lateral body scales distinctly rough, with numerous auxiliary scales; lateralline scales 49 to 52; lateral scale series 102 to 120. Colour: head, body, and fins of adults pale brown, covered with small, round to hexagonal, close-set, dark brown spots, extending onto ventral parts of body and head; 2 large diffuse dusky areas on dorsal part of body and dorsal fin, the largest, extending over dorsal fin from second to fifth spines, the second dark blotch from tenth spine to second soft ray, the dorsal fin pale between these dark blotches, but with small dark spots. One resting colour phase is broadly mottled with large dark and pale areas; in the pale areas, the usual dark brown spots are mostly whitish, with small dark brown centres. Small juveniles (5 to 10 cm) yellowish brown, with well- Separated small black spots (mainly on head and fins) and prominent, white blotches and spots, the largest on middle of dorsal fin. Size: Maximum total length at least 57 om. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral reets at depths of 2 to 100 m. Prey comprises mainly small fishes, crabs, and octopuses. Not common, but of some interest in artisanal fisheries, Caught with hook-and-line, spear, and traps. Distribution: Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific from Cocos-Keeiing Is lands, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Ryukyu Is lands, Ogasawara Islands, Philippines, New Guinea, Great Barrier Reel, Lord Howe Island, New Caledonia, New Ireland, Fij, Samoa, Palau, Caroline Islands, Mar- shail Islands, and Gilbert Islands, ‘em standard length2510 Bony Fishes Epinephelus magniscuttis Postel, Fourmanoir, and Guézé, 1963 (Plate LV, 30) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus pseudomorrhua Postel, Fourmanoir, and Guézé, 1983 / Epinephelus epistictus (non Temminck and Schlegel, 1842); £. poecilonotus (non Temminck and Schiegel, 1842) FAO names: En - Spotted grouper; Fr - Mérou grandes écalllos; Sp - Mero bacalao, 4.8 em standard lengeh Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.7 to 3.2 times in standard length; head length 2.2 to 2.4 times in standard length. Interorbital area fiat to convex, the dorsal head protlle almost straight, preopercle angular, with 2 to 4 distinctly enlarged serrae at angle: upper edge of operculum slightly convex; ‘maxilla reaches to below rear half of eye, the ventral edge with 2 low step atthe distal expansion; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth, the inner teeth larger than outer ones; posterior nostrils not much larger than anteriors. First gill arch with 8 or 9 gill rakers on upper limb, 16 oF 17 on lower limb. Pyloric caeca 7. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 or 15 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 2.5 to 3.0 times in head length and longer than longest dorsal-fin rays, the interspinous membranes deeply incised; anal fin with III spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin rounded; pectoral-fin rays 17 to 19, the fin length 1.7 to 2.0 times in head length; pelvic fins not reaching anus, 2.1 to 2.3 times in head length. Lateral body scales distinctly rough and without auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 55 to 62: lateral scale series 103 10 122. Colour: generally pale brown, with small dark brown (or greyish green) spots unevenly scattered on dorsolateral parts of head (posterior to eyes) and body, dorsal fin, and caudal fi spots on body below level of pectoral fins or on anal and paired fins. Juvoniles are said to have 6 or 7 dark lines running horizontally along the body and these disappear with age. Size: Maximum total length 150 ern; maximum weight about 50 kg. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Deep water (128 to 300 m) in the vicinity of coral reels. Biology unknown. An excellent food fish but apparently rare in the western Pacific regian. Probably of some importance in artisanal fisheries. Distribution: Indo-West Pa: cific from South Africa, Mozambique, Réunion, Mau: fitus, New Caledonia, Philip: pines, New Guinea, New Ireland, and FijEpinephelus malabaricus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) ] (Plate 1V, 31) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: None / Epinephelus tauvina (non Forsskal, 1775) FAO names: En - Malabar grouper; Fr - Mérou malabare; Sp - Mero malabético. juvenile 25m standard length 2.3 em standard length Diagnostic characters: Body elongate, its depth 3.0 to 3.7 times in standard length: body width 1.4 to 1.8 times in body depth; head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length; interorbital width 4.5 to 6.5 times in head length, and 2.1 to 3.2 times in upper jaw length; preopercle with enlarged serrae at the angle; upper edge of operculum almost straight; maxilla extends past vertical at rear edge of orbit; uppor jaw length 17 to 22% of standard length; snout length 1.7 to 2.0 times in upper jaw length; midlateral part Of lower jaw with 2 to 5 rows of teeth; large adults with rear nostils slightly larger than anterior nostrils. First gil arch with 25 to 27 gil akers, of which 8 to 11 on upper limb and 14 to 18 on lower limb; rudiments difficult to distinguish trom small bony platelets on gill arch. Pyloric caeca numerous (more than 80 branches). Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 to 16 soft rays, the third to fifth spines usually slightly longer than posterior spines, 3.1 to 4.0 times in head length and distinctly shorter than longest soft cays; anal fin with IIT spines and 8 Soft rays, the third spine usually longest; caudal fin rounded; pectoral-in rays 18 to 20, the fin length 1.7 to 2.2 times in head length; and pelvic fins 2.1 to 2.6 times in head length, Lateral body scales rough, with auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 54 to 64; anterior lateral-line tubes of large adults with 2 to 4 branches; lateral scale series 101 to 117. Colour: head and body brownish, covered ‘with small, well-separated, blackish brown spots which extend onto chest, lower jaw and gular ar and roof of mouth; head and body also with scattered white spots and blotches: 5 irregular, oblique, dark brown bars (more or less interrupted by pale spots) often visible on body; fins with scattered smali black spots. ize: Maximum size uncertain because of confusion with other species of large grouper; attains at least 415 om total length and a weight of 25 kg, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral and rocky reefs, tidepools, estuaries, mangrove swamps, and sandyimud bottom from shore to a depth of 150 m. Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, and octopuses. One of the most common groupers in markets of the Indo-West Pacific region, and widely used in the aquaculture industry. Caught with trawls, longlines, traps, spear, and hook-and-line Distribution: Indo-Pacific area from Red ‘Sea and South Africa to Japan, Australia Palau, Yep, and Fiji, Occurs in continental and insular localities: Indonesia, Singa- pore, Philippines, Taiwan Province of China, China, Papua New Guinea, New Ireland, Caroline Islands, New Caledonia, and Tonga. In Australia itranges fom the | Northern Territory to New South Wales, Re- cently found in eastern Mediterranean, {asi Bony Fishes Epinephelus merra Bloch, 1793 | (Plate 1V, 32) Frequent synonyms / misidentitications: None / Epinephelus macrospilos {non Blookor, 1855); E hexagonatus (non Forster, 1801); F. melanostigma non Schultz, 1983; E. spilotoceps non Schulz, 1953; E- faveatus (non Valenciennes, 1828); E. quoyanus (non Valenciennes, 1830}. FAO names: En - Honeycomb grouper, Fr - Mérou gateau de cire; Sp - Mero pana Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.8 to 3.3 times in standard length; head length 2.3 to 2.6 times in standard length; caudal peduncle depth 3.2 to 4.1 times in head length. Preopercie rounded of subangular, the serrae at angle enlarged: upper edge of operculum almost straight; maxilla reaches past eye; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 to 4 rows of teeth, the inner teeth about wice length of outer ones; nostrils subequal or rear nostils larger. First gill arch with 6 to 9 gil rakers on upper limb, 14 to 17 on lower limb. Pyloric caeca 8. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 to 17 soft cays, the third to last spines subequal, the longest 2.4 to 3.2 times in head length; anal tin with Ill spines and 8 soit rays, second and third spines subequal, 2.1 to 3.0 times in head length and longer than depth of peduncle; caudal fin rounded: pectoral-tin rays 16 10 18, the fin length 1.5 to 1.8 times in head length; pelvic fins 1.8 to 2.2 times in head length. Lateral body ‘scales rough, with auxiliary scales, lateral-line scales 48 to 54; lateral scale series 98 to 114, Colour: head, body, and fins pale, covered with close-set, dark brown or reddish brown spots, the interspaces forming an irregular pale reticulum; spots on ventral part of body paler, more widely spaced and diffuse: ‘some midlateral spots often joined to form horizontal bands; 5 itregular dark bars may be displayed by differential darkening of some body spots, but black dorsal blotches never present: dark spots on median fins become smaller distally; pectoral fins covered with distinct small black spots, largely confined to the rays (the best diagnostic colour character for Epinephelus merra), ips of interspinous dorsal-fin membranes white or pale yellow, with a small submarginal black spot Size: Maximum total length 32 em. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: A coral-reef species typically found around patch reefs in depths less than 20 m, but occasionally seen at 80 m. Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Females ‘mature at 14 om standard length and sexual transition occurs at 18 to 21 cm. Important to artisanal fisheries. because of its abundance in shallow water. Caught with handlines, ish traps. and spear Distribution: Indo-Pacific region from ‘South Africa to French Polynesia. Primarily an insular species; notknown from the Red Sea or Persian Gulf. Occurs at most trop cal islands in the Indian Ocean and west fern Central Pacitic, both on and off the Pacific Plate, and ranges from Japan to northwestern Australia, Queensland, Lord Howe Island, and eastwards to the Tuamotu Archipelago, 6.3 cm standard lengthPerciformes: Pero sraniae 2si3 Epinephelus morrhua (Valenciennes, 1833) | (Plate V,33) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus cometae Tanaka, 1927 / Epinephelus poeeilonotus (non Temminck and Schlegel, 1842); F. radiamus (non Day, 1867); E. tuamotuensis non Fourmanoir, 1971 FAO names: En - Comet grouper; Fr - Mérou cométe; Sp - Moro cometa. Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.8 to 3.1 times in standard length: head length 2.3 to 2.5 times, in standard length. Preopercle with a shallow indentation just above enlarged sorrae at the corner; Upper edge of operculum almost straight; maxilla reaches to or past vertical at rear edge of eye; midiateral part of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth, Adults with rear nostrils 2 or 3 times larger than anterior nostrils, First gill arch with 8 fo 10 gill rakers on upper limb, 15 to 18 on lower limb; longest gill rakers shorter than longest gil filaments. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 or 15 soft rays, third or fourth spines longest, 2.6 to 3.3 times in head and about equal to longest dorsal-fin rays; anal fin wit III spines and 7 or 8 soft rays, second and third spines subequal: caudal fin convex; pectoral-fin rays 17 or 18, the fin length 4,8 to 2.2 times in head length; pelvic fins not reaching anus, 2.0 to 2.7 times in head length. Lateral body soales rough, some specimens with a few auxliary scales; laicral-ine scales 55 to 64; lateral scale series 108 to 125. Colour: head and body butt, with dark brown bands as follows: a bifurcate band begins behind eye, the upper branch joining a dark brown saddle blotch on nape, the lower branch running to lower opercular spine and continuing on body as a midiateral band that bifurcates above pectoral fin, the upper branch running to a dark blotch at base of third to seventh dorsal-fin rays, the lower branch curving up to base of last 4 dorsal-fin rays; another dark band from upper edge of operculum to base of fifth to ninth dorsal-fin spines; dark band from lower edge of eye to pectoral-fin base, thence as a broken band along lower part of body, curving up to dorsal part of peduncle; dark band {from maxillary groove to rear end of interopercle. Small dark brown spots often present in pale areas between bands and usually arranged in series paralleling the bands; fins generally unmarked; pectoral fins hyaline yellow. Size: Maximum total length 73 cm; maximum weight 5 kg. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: A common deep-reef species usually found in depths of 80 to 370 m. ‘Sexual transition probably ocours at about 40 to 45 om standard length. Caught with hand-line, tong-iine, gill net, and trawls Distribution: Red Sea and ‘western Indian Ocean to Cen- ial Pacific, including An- daman Sea,’ Indonesia, Viet Nam, Philippines, Hong Kong, southern Japan, Ogasawara Islands, Mariana Islands, Palau, Guam, Papua New Guinea, Australia (Northern Tertitory to south: ern Queensiand}, New re land, New Caledonia, Fotuma, Fi, and Cook Islands.sis Bony Fishes Epinephelus ongus (Bloch, 1790) |__ (Plate V,34) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus slacksmithi Whitley, 1989 / Epinephelus summana (non Forsskal, 1775); E. caeruleopunctatus (non Bloch, 1790) FAO names: En - Whitestreaked grouper; Fr - Mérou a flocons; Sp - Mero nubifero. Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.7 to 3.2 times in standard length; head length 2.3 t0 2.5 times in standard length. Dorsal head profile slightly convex; interorbital area fiat; preopercle rounded, the serrae small and mostly covered by skin; upper edge of operculum strongly convex, the rear edge almost vertical, the upper spine extending posterior to lower spine; maxilla reaches to or slightly past vortical at rear edge of eye, small, embedded scales on maxilla; teeth small, 2 10 4 rows at midlateral part of lower jaw; canines al front of jaws small or absent. Rear nostril diameter about twice that of anterior nostril. First gill arch with 8 to 10 gil akers on upper limb, 15 to 18 on lower limb {including 6 to 8 rudiments on each limb). Dorsal fin with X1 spines and 14 to 16 sot rays, the thd or fourth spine longest, 2.6 to 3.4 times in head length, the interspinous membranes incised: anal fin with Ill spines and @ soft rays: caudal fin rounded; pectoral fins large and fleshy, with 15 to 17 rays, the fin length 1.4 to 1.7 in head length; pelvic fins end well short of anus, their length 2.0 to 2.3 timas in head length, Lateral body scales rough, with auxiliary scales; laterab-line scales 48 to 53; lateral scale series 95 to 109. Colour: body brown, with numerous small white spots which, in specimens larger than 10 cm standard length, are horizontally elongate and, in adults, tend to form wavy white lines; several round or irregular pale blotches (eye-sized or larger) usually superimposed over small white spots; head brown, with numerous smail white spots dorsally behind eyes; black maxillary streak usually hidden by maxilla; median fins with small white spots and streaks, the posterior margin blackish with a white edge; paired fins greyish brown. Juveniles of about 6 cm standard length are brown, covered with small, dark-edged white spots which are round, except on front part of dorsal fin where they are elongated; white spots on paired fins become fewer and fainter with growth, and are absent in adults, Size: Maximum total length about 32 om. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Occurs in shallow water on coral reefs and rocky substrata, primarily on inner coastal and lagoon reefs, even in brackish water, where it frequents ledges and caves at depths of 5 to 25 m. Although this cryptic species is not very common, it is of some interest to fisheries in Japan | (and probably elsewhere). Caught with |) hook-and-line, spear, and traps. Distribution: Indo-Pacitie region, from At- fica to the Ryukyu and Marshall islands ana south to Fiji, New Caledonia, and northern Australia, 11.2.6m standard lengthPerciformes: Pero: Semaine asis Epinephelus poecilonotus (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842) Frequent synonyms / misidentitications: None / Epinephelus morrhua (non Valenciennes, 1833): E, epistictus (non Temminck and Schlegel, 1842), £. magniscutis non Postel, Fourmanoir, and Guéze, 1963; E. radiatus (non Day, 1867); E. uamotuensis non Fourmanoir, 1971 FAO names: En - Dotdash grouper; Fr - Mérou morse; Sp - Mero punto y linea, 28.6 cm standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth less than head length, 2.6 to 3.1 times in standard length. Preopercle angle with 2'to 5 enlarged serrae; upper edge of operculum slightly convex; adults with a step on ventral edge of maxilla: midside of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth. First gil arch with 8 to 10 gil rakers on upper limb, 15 to 18 on lower limb; longest raker about equal to longest gill laments. Pyloric caeca 8 or 8 Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 or 15 soft rays, the third or fourth spines longest, 2.6 to 3.1 times in head length and subequal to longest dorsal-in ray, the interspinous mem- branes deeply incised: anal fin with ill spines and 8 sott rays; caudal fin convex; pectoral fins not fleshy, with 17 t0 19 rays, the fin length 1.7 to 2.1 and pelvic fins 2.0 to 2.6 times in head length. Lateral body Scales rough, with auxiliary scales on adults; laterabline scales 54 to 63; lateral scale series 110 to 121 ‘Colour: smail juveniles (5 to 12 cm standard length) pale yellowish grey, with oval black blotch on body between bases of third to ninth dorsal-fin spines and extending to edge of fin between first and seventh spines; a semicircular pale band passes ventrally round the oval black blotch and Isolates it from a dark brown band that begins broadly on nape and bifurcates just behind operculum, the upper branch curving dorsally and expanding over basal halt of dorsal fin between ninth spine and fourth soft ray, the lower branch also curving dorsally and expanding at base of last 4 dorsal-fin rays. Second Curved brown band, parallel to the one above, runs from interorbital area and eye to a black saddle-spot on caudal peduncle. Third (and narrowest) dark brown band runs from lower edge of eye to subopercle, thence as a series of dark dots along ventral part of body to caudal fin. Fins pale yellow, except where dark markings occur on dorsal fin. On specimens ‘of 20 to 30 cm, the oval black blotch at base of dorsal-fin spines and the dark brown bands on body break into series of black spots; faint dark band from dark maxillary streak to corner of preopercle. ‘On specimens 40 to 50 cm, most dark spots on body are faint or have disappeared and the dark bands on head are fading too; the fins are yellowish brown, the triangular interspinous dorsal fin . fin margins abruptly orange-yellow or browr distally with a bluish white edge. Size: Maximum total length at least 63 om; maximum, h yellow; soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins blac! walghtat eas 9 ae SS Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Occurs in dopths of 45 £3 075m, Females are mature at 39 em standard ength. Seta Caught with hook-and:jine, vertical longline, and trams, 26:35) aes Distribution: Indo-West Paci: South Arica to Vit PO gh ow Nam, Japan. Korea, and Fi. ¢ S2316 ony Fishes 1849) Epinephelus microdon Bleeker, 1886: E. dispar var. B (Playfair, 1867) / Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (non Forsskal, 1775). FAO names: En - Camouflage grouper; Fr - Merou camoutlage; Sp - Mero distrazado, 292m standard length Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.7 to 3.1 times in standard length. Interorbital area flat, the dorsal head profile evenly convex; preopercle rounded, finely serrate; upper edge of operculum distinctly convex; maxilla reaches to or beyond vertical at rear edge of eye; midlateral part of lower jaw with 2 or 3 rows of teeth; fixed canines at front of jaws inconspicuous. Rear nostril diameter about twice diameter of front nostrils. First gill arch with 24 to 27 gill rakers, of which 8 to 10 on upper limb and 15 to 17, fon lower limb. Dorsal fin with XI spines and 14 or 15 soft rays, third or fourth spines longest, 2.7, to 3.3 times in head and distinctly shorter than longest dorsal-fin ray: anal fin wih lll spines and & soft rays; caudal fin rounded: pectoral-fin rays 16 to 18, the fin length 1.7 to 2.1 times, pelvic fins 1.9 t0 2.4 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough, with auxiliary scales. Lateral-line scales 47 to 52; lateral scale series 95 to 113. Colour: head, body, and fins pale brown, covered with small dark brown spots; head and body with irregular dark blotches (more distinct on live specimens) superimposed over the dark spots; promiment black saddle blotch on caudal peduncle; dark spots extend all over head, Including lower jaw, lips, branchiostegal membranes, gular area, and inside of mouth: numerous, small white spots on fins (more distinct on lve fish) and afew on head and body. Juveniles with a pair of blackish spots on each side of snout and a black spot at margin of second and third interspinous dorsal membranes. Size: Maximum total length at least 75 cm; maximum weight atleast 4 kg. Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Coral reefs; most abundant at islands, particularly atolls. Foods mainly on crustaceans (primarily portunid crabs, but also some scyllarid and panularié lobsters) and fishes: molluscs are less important food items, Females mature at 38 cm standard length, and sex change occurs ‘a about 42 cm standard length, Important in artisanal fisheries, ut occasionally implicated in cases of ciguatera. Now uncommon at localities with heavy spearfishing, Currently popular in the aquaculture industry of Singapore, where itis known as "marble grouper’. Caught with hook-and-line, spear, and traps. Distribution: Tropical Indo: West Pacific region from Red Sea and Mozambique to French Polynesia. In the west ern Pacific it ranges trom southern Japan to Taiwan Province of China, indonesia, southern Queensland, and Lord Howe Island and east- wards to the Tuamolus, Re- ported from most islands of the western Central Pacific,Potiformes: Perce Serr asi7 Epinephelus polystigma (Bleeker, 1853) | (Plate V, 35) Frequent synonyms / misidentifications: Epinephelus rahanus Popta, 1918 / None. FAO names: En - Whitedotted grouper; Fr - Mérou points blancs; Sp - Mero punteado blanco. Diagnostic characters: Body depth 2.6 to 2.9 times in standard length. Intororbital area lat, snout short, its length subequal to eye diameter; preorbital depth ioss than greatest width of upper lip; preopercle rounded, finely serrate; upper edge of operculum mostly straight. Anterior nostrils funnel shaped, the rear mar- expanded as a flap reaching rear nostri; re Rostril diameter 2 to 4 times larger than front nost diameter; maxilla reaches past vertical at roar edge of eye, the lower edge with a rounded step al front of ‘widest part: midiateral part of lower jaw with 2 or 3 rows of small subequal teeth; 2 short stout canines at front of both jams. First gill arch with 21 to 24 gill rakers, of which 8 or 9 on upper limb and 13 to 16 on ower limb; gill rakers shorter than gill filaments, Pylaric caeca 8, Dorsal fin with XI spines and 15 or 16 soft rays, the third oF fourth spines longest, 2.7 to 3.3 times in head length and distinctly shorter than longest dorsal-in rays, the intorspinous membranes distinctly incised; anal fin with III spines and 8 soft rays; caudal fin well rounded; pectoral-fin ays 16 to 18, the fin length 1.6 10 1.8 times in head length; pelvic fins 2.0 to 2.2 times in head length. Lateral body scales rough, with auxiliary scales. Lateral-ine Seales 49 to 55: lateral scale series 81 to 91. Colour: head, body, and fins dark brown, covered (except on pelvic fins) with white or pale yellow dots (dots may be absent in preserved specimens); sott dorsal, anal, caudal, and pectoral fins with a narrow orange-red margin. Juveniles (8 to 9 cm standard length) with some larger, dark-edged, round or horizontally elongate, white spots on body (in addition to white dots); a smalier juvenile (2.2 cm standard length) taken in the same collection has dark-edged white spots, as large or larger than pupil, in about 3 irregular rows on body. Size: Maximum total length at least 48 cm total length, Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Known only from brackish or fresh-water areas; the usual habitat seems to be mangrove-lined estuaries. A female of 19 cm standard length contained ripe ovaries, Appears to be a rare species, consequently, Of litle interest to fisheries. Caught with hook-and-line spears, and traps, Distribution: Known only from the western Pacific: Phil ippines, Indonosia, Papua New Guinea, New Ireland, Solomon Islands, and Cape York, Queensland.