Comet grouper
Epinephelus morrhua
Valid name (FishBase; confirmed in Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes and WoRMS, October 2026).
- English
- Comet grouper
- Scientific
- Epinephelus morrhua
- Dhivehi
- ދުންތަރި ފާނަDhunthari faana
- Maximum size
- Up to about 90 cm (total length); commonly 60 cm; max. published weight 6.7 kg
- Depth and habitat
- Coral reefs and reef-associated habitats, recorded from 80 to 370 m
- IUCN status
- LC · Least ConcernLeast Concern (LC), assessed 2016
Description
A tan grouper marked with distinctive curved dark brown bands that run from the eye along the body, reaching about 90 cm. It lives in deep water, 80 to 370 m, on island slopes and seamounts. It is fairly common at atolls and is caught on deep lines.
In the Maldives
Dhivehi name dhunthari faana (MRS 1997). Taken on deep handlines off Maldivian atoll slopes.
Sources
- fishbase.se /summary/Epinephelus-morrhua.html
- dv.wikipedia.org /wiki/ދުންތަރި_ފާނަ
- commons.wikimedia.org /wiki/File:HokiHTyg.jpg
Dhivehi name source: Thaana from the Dhivehi Wikipedia article 'ދުންތަރި ފާނަ' (derived from the MRS 1997 Dhivehi edition). No published Latin-script form found; 'Dhunthari faana' is Pax's transliteration of the Thaana (Malé Latin conventions). FishBase also lists 'Lagganfana' under India (Minicoy/Lakshadweep Mahl dialect); not used. FLAG: the source states no traditional name was recorded and this descriptive name was coined for the book; it is not an established fishermen's name. FLAG: Latin form is a transliteration, not a published spelling.