🔹 General Description

The Panther Grouper is a striking reef fish recognized by its pale white to light gray body covered with bold black polka dots. Its body shape is tall and laterally compressed, giving it a somewhat “humpbacked” appearance compared to other groupers.

• Juveniles: More elongated, with proportionally larger spots.

• Adults: Stockier body, still retaining the spotted pattern but with relatively smaller dots compared to body size.

📏 Size

• Can reach up to 70 cm (27 in) in length.

• Weight: up to 10 kg (22 lbs).

🌍 Distribution & Habitat

• Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia.

• Inhabits lagoon reefs, outer reef slopes, and seagrass beds at depths of 2–40 meters.

🍴 Diet

A carnivorous ambush predator, feeding mainly on:

• Small fish

• Crustaceans (shrimp, crabs)

• Cephalopods

Like other groupers, it uses a powerful suction feeding strike to capture prey.