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The Sixbar grouper (Epinephelus sexfasciatus) is a medium-sized marine fish belonging to the family Serranidae, which includes groupers and sea basses. It is characterized by its distinctive vertical bars on the body and is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky bottoms in the Indo-Pacific region. This species is a predatory fish, feeding primarily on smaller fish and crustaceans. While not a major commercial target, it is caught by artisanal fisheries and occasionally found in the aquarium trade.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- The body is typically pale yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, adorned with 5 to 7 (most commonly 6) distinct dark brown to black vertical bars that extend from the dorsal fin to the belly. The head often has irregular dark spots or blotches. Fins are generally dusky, sometimes with faint spotting.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Six prominent dark vertical bars on the body, Small dark spots on the head and sometimes on the fins, Relatively small eyes for a grouper
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 11 spines and 17-19 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
- Tail fin
- Rounded caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are relatively short and rounded, with 17-19 rays.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are inserted slightly behind the base of the pectoral fins.
Identification Tips
Body Bars
Count the distinct dark vertical bars on the body; there are typically six, which is a key identifier.
Head Markings
Look for small, irregular dark spots or blotches on the head, which can help distinguish it from other barred groupers.
Caudal Fin Shape
Note the rounded shape of the caudal (tail) fin.
Dorsal Fin Spines
Observe the number of dorsal fin spines (11) and soft rays (17-19).
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in depths ranging from 5 to 150 meters (16 to 492 feet), most commonly between 10 and 60 meters.
- Environment
- Inhabits coral reefs, rocky bottoms, rubble zones, and occasionally sandy or silty areas adjacent to reefs. Juveniles may be found in shallower, more protected areas.
- Geographic range
- Indo-West Pacific, from the Andaman Sea and Indonesia eastward to Papua New Guinea, northward to the Ryukyu Islands (southern Japan), and southward to northern Australia.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 180 gallons
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Can be kept with other large, robust fish. Avoid keeping with smaller fish or invertebrates that it might prey upon. May be aggressive towards conspecifics unless in a very large tank with ample hiding spots.
- Special requirements: Requires a large tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and territorial establishment. Excellent filtration is essential due to its predatory nature and waste production. Provide a varied diet of meaty foods.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No specific seasonal patterns for availability; caught year-round in its range.
- Market price: Low to moderate, depending on region and size.
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Mild, white flesh
- Texture: Flaky, firm
- Cooking methods: Baked, Grilled, Steamed, Fried
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Bar Countinteresting
The 'sexfasciatus' in its scientific name directly translates to 'six-banded', referring to its most distinctive feature.
Habitat Preferencebehavior
This grouper is often found near areas with good structural complexity, such as coral heads or rocky outcrops, which provide ambush points for hunting and shelter from predators.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
As a typical grouper, it is an opportunistic ambush predator, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by before striking with a rapid lunge and powerful suction feeding.
Size Variationinteresting
While generally a medium-sized grouper, individuals can vary significantly in size depending on their age and local environmental conditions.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: While not venomous, groupers have strong jaws and sharp teeth. Handle with care to avoid bites. The dorsal fin spines can also inflict painful punctures. Use gloves and appropriate tools when handling.
Similar Species
Orange-spotted grouper
Epinephelus coioides
E. coioides has numerous small orange-brown spots covering its head, body, and fins, and typically lacks the prominent vertical bars of E. sexfasciatus. Its body shape is also generally more robust.
Brown-marbled grouper
Epinephelus fuscoguttatus
E. fuscoguttatus has a mottled brown and white pattern with irregular dark blotches, rather than distinct vertical bars. It also has a more deeply notched dorsal fin membrane and a larger, more robust head.
Honeycomb grouper
Epinephelus merra
E. merra is covered in numerous small, closely set hexagonal or polygonal dark spots, forming a honeycomb pattern, and lacks the prominent vertical bars of E. sexfasciatus. It is also generally smaller in size.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Serranidae
- Genus
- Epinephelus
- Species
- sexfasciatus
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