Masked grouper
Gracila albomarginata
Valid name (FishBase; confirmed in Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes and WoRMS, October 2026).
- English
- Masked grouper
- Scientific
- Gracila albomarginata
- Dhivehi
- ބޯކުޑަ ފާނަBoakuda faana
- Maximum size
- Up to about 40 cm (total length)
- Depth and habitat
- Coral reefs and reef-associated habitats, recorded from 0 to 120 m (usually 15 to 120 m)
- IUCN status
- LC · Least ConcernLeast Concern (LC), assessed 2016
Description
A slender grouper, brownish grey with narrow curved dark bars, a dark spot on the tail base, blue lines across the head and a white patch on the side that can be switched on and off. It hovers in mid-water above outer reef slopes and channels next to deep water, hunting small fish. It is usually seen alone.
In the Maldives
Dhivehi name boakuda faana (MRS 1997).
Sources
- fishbase.se /summary/Gracila-albomarginata.html
- fishbase.se /comnames/CommonNamesList.php?ID=6477&GenusName=Gracila&SpeciesName=al
- dv.wikipedia.org /wiki/ބޯކުޑަ_ފާނަ
- commons.wikimedia.org /wiki/File:Serranidae_-_Gracila_albomarginata.JPG
Dhivehi name source: FishBase common names (country: Maldives) give 'Boakuda faana' (Latin script). Thaana from the Dhivehi Wikipedia article 'ބޯކުޑަ ފާނަ' (derived from the MRS 1997 Dhivehi edition); it matches the Latin form. 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.