Mycteroperca prionura Rosenblatt & Zahuranec, 1967
Sawtail grouper
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  105 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 14 kg
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 8 - 55 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Gulf of California south to Jalisco, Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-12. Distinguished by the following characteristics: adults with pale grey to brown with purplish tint underwater; body, median fins and rear part of the head covered with small dark reddish brown spots; faint irregular dark spots on dusky pectoral and pelvic fins; dusky blotches on the dorsolateral part of the body; angular preopercle, with serrate lobe at the angle; posterior nostrils not greatly enlarged in adults; rear margin of caudal fin scalloped, with exserted rays (Ref. 89707).
Biology:  Found on rocky reefs. Common on fields of large boulders with gorgonians and black corals. Feeds on fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 89707).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 18 November 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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