Spinycheek Grouper

A reef-associated grouper recognised by the prominent spines on its preopercle (cheek area). Inhabits deeper reef edges and offshore rocky grounds. Taken regularly as bycatch in the UAE grouper fishery.

Species Stats

Diet

Fish, squid, crustaceans

Habitat

Rocky and coral reefs, offshore ledges

Local Name (Arabic)

هامور شوكي الخد

Fun Facts

• 1

  The "spinycheek" name refers to its pronounced preopercular spines.

• 2

  Typically found at greater depths than inshore groupers.

• 3

  Like all groupers it is a sequential hermaphrodite.

Found In