Thinspine Grouper Click to enlarge image
A Thinspine Grouper at a depth of 16m, Tavarua Wall near Namotu Is, Fiji, April 2004. Image: David and Leanne Atkinson
© 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.


Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.