Epinephelus retouti is very similar in appearance to E. fasciatus, but can be distinguished by its longer snout, brown dorsal tips, dark dorsal margin on the caudal fin, nearly truncate shape, and different depth distribution.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 35 cm; max. 50 cm
color
Reddish. Each scale with a dark basal spot. Usually five faint dark bars on body. Margin of dorsal fin and upper edge of caudal fin with a dusky border. Juveniles with dorsal part of head dark brown with 4 irregular transverse whitish bands across dorsal surface.
Adults of this species are typically encountered on coral reefs and outer reef slopes in depths ranging from 70 to 220 meters. Juveniles, on the other hand, are usually found in shallower waters of 20 to 40 meters.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 16-17 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, a pectoral fin with 19-20 rays, and a body depth of 2.5-3.1 in standard length. Its dorsal head profile is slightly convex, it has no scales on its maxilla, and its nostrils are sub-equal. Its caudal fin is truncate to convex.