Plectropomus pessuliferus has been characterized as an uncommon species, but it appears fairly regularly at the Male fish market. Additionally, a separate subspecies is recognized from the Red Sea based on its color pattern.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 63 cm; 1.2 m (in the Red Sea)
color
Red-brown, with numerous small dark-edged blue spots. Some spots on sides vertically elongate, and some on head diagonally elongate (few spots on head). Pelvic fins with blue spots.
This species is typically found in the vicinity of coral reefs, at depths ranging from 15 to 150 meters.
distinctive characters
Adults of this species have a dorsal fin with 7 or 8 spines and 10-12 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 rays, and a pectoral fin with 15-16 rays. The body is elongate and robust, with a depth of 2.9-3.9 in standard length, and the rear nostril is larger than the anterior nostril. Additionally, the first or second anal spines are embedded, and the caudal fin is emarginate.