Several specimens of the large deepwater grouper Epinephelus morrhua were caught in depths of 80-100 meters by the R.V. 'Farumas' fishing with a longline during the day along the eastern side of North Malé Atoll.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 73 cm
color
Light brownish with dark brown bands. A dark band from upper edge of opercle to blotch below dorsal fin and dark bands on head as illustrated.
A species that inhabits the depths of 80 to 370 m of water is typically encountered.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 14-15 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 7-8 rays, a pectoral fin with 7-18 rays, a body depth of 2.8-3.1 in standard length, a maxillary that does not reach past the eye, a preopercle that is finely serrated with 2 to 5 enlarged serrae at the angle, sides of the lower jaw with two rows of teeth, and a caudal fin that is slightly to moderately rounded with the dorsal fin membrane distinctly indented between the spines.