Epinephelus ongus is a medium-sized grouper that appears to be relatively uncommon in the Maldives, as it is rarely caught by reef fishermen or seen by divers.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 25; max. 40 cm
color
Dark grey-brown. Numerous small white spots on body and fins, tending to irregular white stripes in adults. Caudal fin with narrow white terminal band and broad black sub-terminal band.
This species is found in shallow waters of coral reefs, including reef patches in lagoons, at depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 14-16 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, a pectoral fin with 15-17 rays, a body depth of 2.7-3.2 in standard length, sub-equal nostrils, an obtuse opercular flap with a very convex upper edge, incised membranes between the dorsal spines, and a rounded caudal fin.