How to Identify Humpback Grouper

To identify Humpback Grouper (Chromileptes altivelis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

White to pale grey body covered with numerous, irregularly shaped black spots. Spots are smaller and more numerous in juveniles, becoming larger and less dense with age. Fins are also spotted.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Prominent hump on the back, especially in adults, Small head relative to body size, Elongated, compressed body, Numerous black spots covering the entire body and fins

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 7-8 spines and 10-12 soft rays. The spiny portion is continuous with the soft-rayed portion, but the spiny rays are relatively short.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are relatively small. All fins are spotted, mirroring the body coloration.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the distinctive elongated, compressed body with a small head and a noticeable hump on the back, particularly in larger individuals.

2. 2

   Coloration and Pattern

   The white to pale grey body covered in numerous, irregularly shaped black spots is the most defining characteristic. The spots extend onto the fins.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Observe the relatively small, upward-pointing mouth, which is characteristic of this species among groupers.

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