Plectropomus areolatus can be distinguished from other species of Plectropomus found in the Maldives by its truncated caudal fin and the absence of vertical elongated spots on the sides or dark dorsal saddles.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 60 cm
color
Grey-brown. Numerous relatively large (equal in size to pupil) dark edged blue spots covering body and median fins. Caudal fin often with blackish sub-marginal band.
This species is found in lagoons and nearshore reefs from depths of 2 to 20 meters. Its diet consists mainly of fish.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has 7-8 spines and 10-12 rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 rays, the pectoral fin has 15-17 rays, and there are 2-7 developed gill rakers on the lower limb. The body is elongate and robust, with a depth of 2.9-3.9 and small embedded scales in the inter-orbital area. The base of the spinous part of the dorsal fin is sub-equal to that of the soft-rayed part, and the caudal fin is truncate to slightly emarginate.