Comet grouper
| Comet grouper | |
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| Epinephelus morrhua from New Caledonia | |
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| Species: | E. morrhua
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| Binomial name | |
| Epinephelus morrhua Valenciennes, 1833
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The comet grouper (Epinephelus morrhua) is a species of deepwater fish in the family Serranidae. It occurs from the Red Sea and eastern Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. Other common names include comet cod, banded-cheek reef-cod, contour rockcod, and blue groper.[1]
This species is found near coral reefs at depths from 80 to 370 m (260 to 1,210 ft) and is not migratory. It is sometimes confused with its relatives E. poecilonotus, E. radiatus, and E. tuamotoensis. Although it is reported to be a gamefish, it is not commonly seen in markets. It has also been associated with ciguatera poisoning.[2]
This fish reaches up to a meter long and 10 kilograms in weight.[1]
This species harbours several parasite species, including the diplectanid monogeneans Pseudorhabdosynochus morrhua and P. variabilis.
References
- ^ a b c Kulbicki, M. & Yeeting, B. 2008. Epinephelus morrhua. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. Downloaded on 27 March 2015.
- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Epinephelus morrhua". FishBase. May 2006 version.
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