The Squaretail Coralgrouper, also known as the Squaretail Rockcod or Squaretail Grouper, is a popular species of grouper found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Here's more about this fascinating fish:

Fish Family:

The Squaretail Coralgrouper belongs to the family Serranidae, which includes groupers, sea basses, and other related fish.

Size:

The Squaretail Coralgrouper is a medium-sized fish, with adults typically growing to lengths of around 50-60 cm (20-24 inches). However, larger specimens have been recorded, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 80 cm (32 inches).

BASIC/OVERALL SHAPE/FEATURES:

This species has a relatively short, stout body with a large head and a wide mouth. It has a spiny dorsal fin and a rounded caudal fin. Its body is covered in small, rough scales and it has a distinctive square-shaped tail, which is where it gets its name.

BODY COLOURATION/PATTERN:

The Squaretail Coralgrouper has a beautiful coloration, with a pale beige to light grey body and a scattering of darker spots and blotches. Its fins are usually a deeper shade of grey or black. Juvenile fish have more vibrant coloration, with a bright yellow body and a bold pattern of black spots and stripes.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR/FASHION:

Squaretail Coralgrouper is generally solitary and territorial, and can be found living among coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and underwater caves. These fish are predators, and will hunt small fish and crustaceans for food. They are also known to be protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning that they change sex from female to male as they grow older.

In conclusion, the Squaretail Coralgrouper is a beautiful and fascinating fish that is popular with both divers and anglers alike. Its distinctive shape, coloration, and behavior make it an interesting addition to any marine ecosystem. However, due to overfishing and habitat loss, populations of this species are declining in some areas, and it is important to ensure that conservation efforts are in place to protect this valuable species for future generations to enjoy.