Palemargin Grouper

Epinephelus bontoides

The Palemargin Grouper is a relatively small reef fish, reaching up to 30 cm in length. It is characterized by a grey-brown body adorned with scattered reddish-brown to black spots. The fins are dark grey with narrow pale margins, giving the species its common name. The body is fusiform and compressed, with ctenoid scales covering most of the body, except for cycloid scales found dorsally and ventrally. It has a rounded caudal fin and finely serrate preopercle. The maxilla extends past the rear edge of the eye, and the lower jaw features two or three rows of teeth. This grouper is found in the Western Pacific region, including Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Solomon Islands, and New Britain. It inhabits depths ranging from 0 to 30 meters, preferring mud, rocky, or cobble bottoms. The Palemargin Grouper is solitary and is considered one of the rarer groupers in the Indo-Pacific. Divers encountering the Palemargin Grouper may find it on the seabed, often alone. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern. However, its rarity makes sightings a unique experience for divers exploring its habitat.