There has been confusion in the past in identifying Plectropomus laevis due to its two colour phases; however, it can be easily identified by the presence of five dark dorsal saddles in both phases.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 1.2 m
color
Two colour phase; both have 5 dark brown or black saddles, (although these may not be visible in some dark phase individuals). The pale phase is white with yellow fins and variable numbers of scattered dark-edged blue spots. The dark phase is brown red with many small dark-edged blue spots.
This species is found in a variety of depths ranging from 4 to 90 meters, primarily in passes, but also in lagoons and seaward reefs with abundant coral growth. It feeds solely on fish, including other groupers.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 7 or 8 spines and 10-12 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, a pectoral fin with 16-18 rays, a body depth of 2.9-3.9, an elongate and robust body, a flat and naked inter-orbital area, a broadly rounded preopercle, a hind nostril much longer than the front nostril, and an emarginate caudal fin.