Blue-spotted Grouper

A striking red-orange grouper covered in bright blue spots. Common on the rocky reefs of the Gulf of Oman coast (Fujairah and Khor Fakkan). Excellent eating and a popular target for spearfishers. Related to the better-known Hammour.

Species Stats

Diet

Fish, crustaceans

Habitat

Coral reefs, rocky outcrops

Local Name (Arabic)

هامور نقطة زرقاء

Fun Facts

• 1

  Like most groupers, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite — starts life female, then some change to male.

• 2

  Uses a burst of speed from ambush rather than open-water pursuit to catch prey.

• 3

  The vibrant blue spots are thought to play a role in species recognition and mate selection.

Found In