Ray-finned Fishes of Zihuatanejo

CLASS ACTINOPTERYGII

-Perch-like Fishes (Order Perciformes)

-Suborder Percoidei

-Groupers Family (Epinephelidae)

-Genus Epinephelus

-Starry Grouper (Epinephelus labriformis)

Epinephelus labriformisis commonly referred to as Starry Grouper. Adults are most abundant in shallow water and also occurs to a depth of at least 30 m. Inhabits rocky area of coastal waters. The starry grouper is generally olive-green to red-brown with scattered irregular white spots and blotches. Tips of each spine from the dorsal fin is bright white. The starry grouper is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean from Mexico to Peru. The starry grouper is a solitary predator that seems to feed on smaller fishes by day and crustaceans after dark.

Diet

A solitary carnivorous predator. It feeds on smaller fishes during the day and shifts largely to crustaceans, including shrimps and crabs, after dark.

Range

The Flag Cabrilla, Epinephelus labriformis, is endemic to the tropical eastern Pacific, ranging from Baja California and the Gulf of California south to Peru. It occurs along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo region.

Habitat

It is a demersal grouper associated with rocky coastal habitats and reefs on the continental shelf. Adults are most abundant in shallow water but occur to about 50 m, with rocky areas providing shelter and hunting sites.

Description

A robust, laterally compressed grouper reaching about 60 cm. The body is olive-green to reddish brown with irregular white and brown spots and blotches. The head and front of the body often have reddish-brown markings, while a distinctive black saddle occurs on the upper caudal peduncle. The dorsal and anal fins and outer margins of the caudal and pectoral fins are reddish or brick-red, and the tips of the dorsal spines are bright white.