Longspine Grouper

Epinephelus longispinis

The Longspine Grouper is a marine ray-finned fish known for its greyish-brown body adorned with pale blotches and scattered brown spots on its head. Divers can distinguish it from similar species, like E. maculatus, by its fewer and diagonally elongated spots that become more numerous towards the back. Its dorsal fin features large dark blotches, and its body is covered in ctenoid scales, except for cycloid scales on the nape, thorax, and lower abdomen. This species inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas in the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from Kenya to South Africa and east to the Watubela Group of the eastern Banda Sea. It is typically found at depths of 1 to 70 meters, though most occurrences are shallower than 40 meters. The Longspine Grouper primarily feeds on crustaceans, especially crabs and stomatopods, and occasionally consumes small fish and squid. Divers encountering this solitary fish may find it inhabiting coral reefs or rocky areas. The Longspine Grouper is considered harmless to humans and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is also used in Chinese medicine and is part of commercial fisheries.