Summan Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus summana, is a type of marine fish with ray-like fins.
It belongs to the subfamily Epinephelinae in the Serranidae family, which also has anthias and sea basses.
This fish comes from the Eastern Indian Ocean and is sometimes found in aquariums.
It lives in shallow coral reefs, lagoons, or brackish-water environments.
There is not much published information about its biology.
The Summan grouper is sold fresh at local markets but isn’t safe for reef tanks.
Summan Grouper Interesting Facts
- Summan grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus summana, is a marine fish found in the Eastern Indian Ocean and can be seen in aquariums.
- It thrives in shallow coral reefs or brackish-water environments and prefers tropical waters with specific latitudes and longitudes.
- This fish can grow up to a maximum of 20 inches (52 centimeters) long, has ray-like fins, and features a dark olive-brown color with pale blotches and white spots on its body.
- Summan grouper’s appearance is similar to E. ongus but has differences in fin structure and color patterns.
Summan Grouper Habitat
Summan grouper lives in the Western Indian Ocean, specifically in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
You can also find it in Somalia and Socotra, which is part of Yemen.
This fish prefers marine or brackish environments near reefs and can be found at depths of 1 to 30 meters (about 3 to 100 feet).
It thrives in tropical waters between 31°N to 9°N latitude and 32°E to 55°E longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Summan Grouper Physical Characteristics
Size: 15.7 inches (40.0 centimeters)
The maximum lenghth a Summan grouper grow is up to 20 inches (52 centimeters) long, but it’s usually around 15.7 inches (40.0 centimeters).
This fish has 11 dorsal spines with 14 to 16 soft rays, and 3 anal spines with 8 to 9 soft rays. Its body is sturdy, and it has noticeable serrated edges near its gills.
Summan grouper looks similar to another fish called E. ongus, but there are differences in their fins and color patterns.
It has a dark olive-brown or brownish-gray color with large pale blotches and small white spots all over its body.
Its fins also have white spots, except for the base of its pectoral fins.
Summan Grouper Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Genus: | Epinephelus |
| Scientific Name: | Epinephelus summana |
| Also Known As: | Summan Grouper |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |