Epinephelus labriformis (Jenyns, 1840)

Common Name and Body Proportion

Epinephelus labriformis, commonly called the starry grouper, has a robust, compressed body, with a standard length 2.7 to 3.1 times its body depth.

Intraorbital Region

The intraorbital region of this species is flat.

Preopercle Structure

Its preopercle is rounded, finely serrated, and has slightly enlarged serrations along its lower edge.

Gill Cover Structure

The upper edge of the gill cover is slightly convex.

Fin Spine and Ray Count

The dorsal fin has 11 spines and 16 to 18 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 soft rays.

Caudal Fin Shape

The caudal fin is rounded.

Body and Head Base Coloration

The head and body of this species are olive green, scattered with irregular white spots and blotches.

Head and Body Markings

Red-brown blotches appear on the head and the anterior part of the body, and there is a black saddle mark on the upper portion of the caudal peduncle.

Fin Margin Coloration

The outer margins of the dorsal and anal fins, the upper and lower margins of the caudal fin, and the outer half of the pectoral fin are red.

Maximum Length

This species reaches a maximum total length of 60 centimetres (24 in).

Distribution Range

Epinephelus labriformis is widespread across the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Mexico to Peru, including the offshore islands of Galápagos, Cocos Island, Malpelo, and Revillagigedo.

Depth Range

Adult Epinephelus labriformis are most abundant in shallow water, and can also occur at depths down to 30 m.

Habitat

They live on rocky and coral reefs in coastal waters on the continental shelf.

Feeding Behavior

The starry grouper is a solitary predator that feeds on smaller fishes during the day, and feeds on crustaceans after dark.

Spawning Season

Its spawning season occurs in late summer.