The red bands on the sides of Epinephelus fasciatus can be turned on and off quickly, while the black tips on the dorsal fin are always present and can be used to help identify the species.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 25 cm; max. 40 cm
color
Pink, with red bands of variable intensity on sides and head. Triangular tips of membranes between dorsal spines black. Fins reddish orange, pale yellowish, green, or greenish brown.
This species is found on coral reefs from the shore to a depth of 160 meters. It feeds on a variety of crustaceans and fish.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 15-17 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, a pectoral fin with 18-20 rays, 6-8 gill rakers on the upper limb and 15-17 on the lower limb, a body depth of 2.8-3.3 in standard length, a flat interorbital area but a convex dorsal head profile, a round preopercle with a finely serrate rear edge, and a caudal fin that is slightly to moderately rounded.