Epinephelus spilotoceps is very common in the Maldives, and its pale coloration provides excellent camouflage as it sits among the corals and coral rubble in shallow water.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 31 cm
color
Brownish. Body covered with dark spots forming a pale mesh. Front of head with small dark spots. 3 or 4 dark dorsal blotches (first at base of last dorsal spine, last on caudal peduncle).
The fish has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 14-16 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, and a pectoral fin with 17-19 rays. Its body depth is 3.1-3.6 in standard length, and its dorsal head profile is convex. The inter-orbital area is flat to concave, the caudal peduncle depth is distinctly less than the length of the second anal spine, and the caudal fin is rounded. The body scales are ctenoid, except for those on the belly.