Orange-Spotted Grouper

The Orange-spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides), also referred to as the Brown-spotted Rockcod, Estuary Cod, Goldspotted Rockcod, among other names, is a notable species of marine ray-finned fish within the family Serranidae, which also includes anthias and sea basses. This species is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region and inhabits both marine and brackish environments.

This grouper can reach a maximum total length of 120 centimeters (47 inches) and a weight of 15 kilograms (33 pounds). It inhabits depths ranging from 1 to 100 meters and can live up to 22 years.

Characterized by an elongated body, the Orange-spotted Grouper has a standard length that is between 2.9 to 3.7 times its depth. The dorsal profile of its head is flat or slightly convex between the eyes, with prominent serrations on the preopercle and a shallow notch. The gill cover's upper margin is typically straight or slightly convex. Its dorsal fin comprises 11 spines and 13-16 soft rays, while the anal fin consists of 3 spines and 8 soft rays. The caudal fin is rounded, and the lateral line contains 58-65 scales. The fish's coloration transitions from light brown on the back to whitish on the underside, featuring distinctive "H-shaped" dark markings on the flanks and numerous brown or orange spots across the head, body, and fins. Juveniles display larger, less numerous spots compared to adults.

Geographically, the Orange-spotted Grouper's range extends from the eastern coast of Africa to 🇯🇵 Japan and 🇦🇺 Australia, and it has been observed in the Mediterranean Sea. Its habitat includes coral reefs along mainland coasts and large islands, as well as estuarine environments where juveniles reside. As a predatory species, it feeds on smaller fish, shrimp, crabs, and benthic crustaceans. Notably, some individuals are diandric protogynous hermaphrodites, transitioning from female to male under certain conditions. Spawning aggregations have been documented, notably near Papua 🇵🇬 New Guinea and during the March to June spawning season in the 🌊 Persian Gulf.

Despite its ecological importance, the Orange-spotted Grouper faces significant challenges due to overexploitation. Its high market value and desirable taste have led to intense fishing pressures, notably in the UAE, where stocks have been severely depleted. The species' slow growth rate, late maturation, and low reproductive output exacerbate these pressures, particularly impacting larger males and disrupting gender balance within the population.

First described by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton in 1822 as Bola coioides, this species bears close resemblance to E. malabaricus and E. tauvina. The Orange-spotted Grouper remains a target for commercial fisheries due to its esteemed status as a food fish, available in both live and fresh forms. Efforts are ongoing to cultivate and breed this species within aquaculture to address conservation concerns.