Thinspine Grouper, Gracila albomarginata (Fowler & Bean, 1930)
The Thinspine Grouper has also been called the Masked Grouper, Red-edged Grouper, Slenderspine Grouper, Thinspine Rockcod and White-square Cod.
Click to enlarge image
© David and Leanne Atkinson
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Gracila
- Species
- albomarginata
- Family
- Serranidae
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- It grows to 40 cm in length.
Introduction
The Thinspine Grouper can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. Adults have 16 to 20 dark bars on the side of the body, a square white patch on the upper sides, and a black spot on the caudal peduncle. Juveniles are brown or purplish with bright red markings on the fins.
Identification
The Thinspine Grouper can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. Adults have 16 to 20 dark bars on the side of the body, a square white patch on the upper sides, and a black spot on the caudal peduncle. Juveniles are brown or purplish with bright red markings on the fins.
Habitat
The Thinspine Grouper is a benthic species that is found in coral reef and inshore waters between depths of 15 m and 120 m.
Distribution
The Thinspine Grouper occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific.
In Australia it is known from the offshore islands of north-western Western Australia and north-eastern Queensland.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
