(Image credit: Erik Schlögl)

This species can be distinguished from other grouper species by the crescent shaped tail. The body is semi-elongated body with the larger lower jaw protruding out from under the upper jaw. When the jaws are extended and opened this fish has a large gaping mouth.

JUVENILES: A black horizontal band originating from the eye and terminating at the rear of the second dorsal fin separates a white underside and orange dorsal surface. The body is spotted with small white markings, easily visible on the black band. A white bar runs from the front of the dorsal fin, along the top of the head between the eyes and finishes on the lower lip. A black blotch is found on the body near the tail. Pelvic, pectoral and the edges of the tail and dorsal fins are transparent.

ADULTS: This species can be distinguished from other grouper species by the crescent shaped tail. The broad yellow rear tail margin distinguishes this species from the closely related V. albimarginata which has a narrower white tail margin. The body is semi-elongated body with the larger lower jaw protruding out from under the upper jaw. When the jaws are extended and opened this fish has a large gaping mouth.

Length: Up to 80 cm

Habitat

Offshore coral reefs and caves; 3-250 m depth

Log it

In New South Wales, log if spotted in Solitary Islands and south

Related links/info

Species names on the Redmap site are based on the Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota or CAAB (http://www.cmar.csiro.au/caab/). This is updated regularly and lists the approved common name, family, species name and more.

Redmap species descriptions were based, with permission, on the following books:

Australian Marine Life: The Plants and Animals of Temperate Waters by G. J. Edgar, Revised Ed. (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne

Fishes of Australia’s Southern Coast, Edited by M. Gomon. D. Bray and R. Kuiter (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne

Find further information and images at FISHES OF AUSTRALIA http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/