Slender Grouper

The Slender Grouper, scientifically known as Anyperodon leucogrammicus, is a marine ray-finned fish classified within the subfamily Epinephelinae of the family Serranidae, which encompasses anthias and sea basses. This species is the sole representative of the genus Anyperodon and is native to the Indo-Pacific region.

Recent molecular studies utilizing five genes have indicated that Anyperodon leucogrammicus belongs to the same clade as species within the genus Epinephelus. As a result, it is recommended that this species be reclassified as Epinephelus leucogrammicus.

The Slender Grouper reaches a moderate size, growing up to 65 centimeters (26 inches) in length. The head constitutes approximately 40% of its total length, and its mouth is notably large, featuring a lower jaw that is longer than the upper jaw. A distinctive characteristic of this species is the absence of palatine teeth, setting it apart from other groupers. Its basic coloration is pale reddish-brown, adorned with orange spots that are densely concentrated on the head. The body displays five silvery blue longitudinal lines on each side, with the lower three extending to the tail while the upper two break into irregular streaks. The dorsal fin is composed of 11 spines and 14 to 16 soft rays, and the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 to 9 soft rays. Juvenile groupers exhibit striking blue and red longitudinal stripes.

The Slender Grouper is widely distributed across the tropical 🇮🇳 Indian and 🌊 Pacific Oceans, with its range spanning from the eastern coast of Africa and the 🌊 Red Sea (at 32°E) to southern 🇯🇵 Japan and 🇦🇺 Australia (at 171°W). This species inhabits coral reefs, seaward reef slopes, and lagoons, typically residing at depths of up to 50 meters (160 feet), occasionally descending to 80 meters (260 feet), and is also present in the Andaman Sea.

Carnivorous in nature, the Slender Grouper primarily preys on other fish, such as goatfish, and potentially targets invertebrates as well. Juvenile individuals are aggressive mimics of the red-lined wrasse (Halichoeres biocellatus) and the silty wrasse (Halichoeres purpurescens), adopting similar appearance and behavior to deceive potential prey and facilitate their undetected approach.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes the Slender Grouper as a species of "Least Concern," attributed to its extensive range and stable population trends. While it is not subject to commercial fishing, it occasionally appears in fish markets in 🇭🇰 Hong Kong.