Author: (Bleeker, 1849)
FBname: Camouflage grouper
Comments: Often found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and outer reefs; in caves and large crevices to swim through (Ref. 48635).  Most abundant around islands, particularly atolls.  Usually in small schools but may be solitary (Ref 90102).  Feeds mainly on crustaceans (portunid crabs) and fishes, sometimes on cephalopods and gastropods.  In the Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253).  This species is important in artisanal fisheries, but occasionally implicated in cases of ciguatera (frequently ciguatoxic in the Marshall Is., Ref. 37816). It is now uncommon at localities with heavy spearfishing, but popular in the aquaculture industry of Singapore, where it is known as 'marble grouper'. It is caught with hook-and-line, spear, and traps (Ref. 39231).