Epinephelus hexagonatus (Forster, 1801)

Common Names

Epinephelus hexagonatus (Forster, 1801) is commonly known as the star-spotted groper or wirenet rockcod.

Taxonomy

It is a species of ray-finned grouper fish, belonging to the subfamily Epinephelinae in the family Serranidae, a group that also includes anthias and sea basses.

Distribution Range

This species is found mostly in the West Indian Ocean.

Skin Pattern

It is named for the polygonal pattern of brown spots on its skin.

Marking Details

A white triangle sits between each of these spots, and five darker clusters of spots run along the base of its dorsal fin.

Coloration Function

The fish's colouration acts as camouflage in reef environments.

Habitat Type

E. hexagonatus lives in shallow outer-reef areas exposed to water surge.

Depth Range

It most often occurs at depths of less than six meters, but can also be found at depths of ten meters or more.

Diet Composition

Its diet is made up mainly of fishes and crustaceans.

Maximum Length

This species grows to a maximum length of 26 cm.