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Hyporthodus exsul (Fowler, 1944) Tenspine grouper |
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photo by
Robertson, R. |
| Family: | Epinephelidae (Groupers) | |||
| Max. size: | 125 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range - 55 m | |||
| Distribution: | Eastern Central Pacific: Gulf of California to Panama. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: adults dark brown without distinct markings; juveniles dark brown with several white spots and occasionally paler caudal fin; depth of body contained 2.3 times in SL; head length 2.2-2.3 times in SL; convex interorbital area; angular preopercle, enlarged serrae at angle and with or without few small serrae on lower edge; smooth interopercle and subopercle; posterior nostrils larger than anterior nostrils and shaped like an inverted tear drop; maxilla reaches vertical at rear edge of eye (Ref. 89707). | |||
| Biology: | One juvenile examined came from a depth of 55 m. Reef-associated inhabiting depths of at least 55 m (Ref. 89707). Apparently too rare to be of commercial interest. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 February 2018 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||