SQUARETAIL CORALGROUPER
Plectropomus areolatus
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Table Of Contents
- Overview
- Description
- Ecology and Distribution
- Evolution and Systematics
- Catalogue of Life Synonyms
- Relevance
- References and More Information
- Specialist Projects
- Common Names
Overview
Biology
Source and Additional Information
FishBase 
See FishBase for additional references
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Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs, in areas with rich coral growth. Most frequently encountered in channels along the reef front (Ref. 9710, 48635). Often a shy fish (Ref. 48635). Feed exclusively on fishes (Ref. 37816). Misidentified as P. leopardus in Ref. 2928 (Johannes, pers. comm.). This study reports of a declining stock in Palau due to fishing. Before actual spawning around full moon, the species aggregates along channels and are responsive to baited hooks, making them vulnerable to fishermen; upward movements of some to take baited hooks presumably mistaken for courtship or spawning behavior. Large individuals may be ciguatoxic in certain areas (Ref. 37816). In the Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253).