Author: (Lacepède, 1801)
FBname: Blacksaddled coralgrouper
Comments: A voracious piscivore inhabiting coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs.  Encountered most frequently in channels and outer shelf reefs.  Migrate over short distances to spawn, forming large aggregations, maybe 1 or 2 per reef (Ref. 6390).  Feeds mostly on fishes, and occasionally on crustaceans (Ref. 9710).  The prey comprises a variety of large reef fishes, including groupers, and this diet of large fishes is responsible for the high concentrations of ciguatera toxins.  Juveniles may mimic the pufferfish <i>Canthigaster valentini</i>.  Usually wary (Ref. 9710).  The young have a demersal existence in shallow water in reef habitats, especially around coral rubble (Ref. 27259).  They feed on small fish and invertebrates such as crustaceans and squid (Ref. 27261).  Eggs float just below the surface (Ref. 6390).  The pelagic larvae are found in habitats similar to those of the adults (Ref. 27260).  An excellent table fish (Ref. 6390).