Darkmargin grouper facts for kids
The darkmargin grouper (Epinephelus fuscomarginatus) is a cool type of grouper fish. It's a ray-finned fish, which means its fins are supported by bony rays. This fish belongs to the same family as sea basses and anthias. You can find it living off the eastern coast of Australia. It was first officially named in 2019.
Quick facts for kids Darkmargin grouper |
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What Does It Look Like?
The darkmargin grouper has a body that is about 3 to 3.4 times longer than it is deep. Its cheek area (called the preopercle) has a rounded corner with a few small, jagged edges.
This fish has two main fins on its back: a dorsal fin with 11 strong spines and 14 soft rays. It also has an anal fin with 3 spines and 8 soft rays. The caudal fin (tail fin) is rounded. Along its side, it has a lateral line made of 60 to 67 scales. This line helps the fish sense movements in the water.
The darkmargin grouper has fuzzy, uneven brown stripes and blotches on its sides. The soft parts of its dorsal, anal, and tail fins have wide, dark brown edges. Younger fish might have two faint, light brown lines that stretch from their eye to the back of their gill cover. This fish never has dark spots on its head, body, or fins at any point in its life. It can grow to be at least 70 centimeters (about 27.5 inches) long!
Where Does It Live?
The darkmargin grouper is only found in one special place: the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It has been seen in the Capricorn Channel, which is south of the Swains Reefs and east of the Capricorn-Bunker group.
What Is Its Home Like?
This fish lives in coral reefs deep in the ocean. It can be found at depths of up to 220 meters (about 720 feet) below the surface.
Who Discovered It?
The darkmargin grouper was officially described and named in 2019. Two scientists, Jeffrey W. Johnson and Jessica Worthington Wilmer, were the first to formally identify it. They found the first known example in the Capricorn Channel, south of the Swain Reefs in Queensland.
How Is It Used?
People sometimes catch the darkmargin grouper using longlines, which are fishing lines with many hooks. This fish has also been seen for sale in fish markets.
