fishPlectropomus

Plectropomus is a genus of marine fishes in the grouper family Serranidae, subfamily Epinephelinae. They are commonly referred to as coral groupers or reef groupers and are distributed across tropical and subtropical coral reef ecosystems of the Indo-Pacific. Members of the genus typically inhabit shallow lagoons, reef crests, and outer reef slopes, where complex structures provide shelter and hunting grounds.

The fishes in this genus are generally robust, with bodies that are laterally compressed and patterns of spots or blotches that help camouflage them on reef substrates. They are predatory ambush feeders, feeding on a variety of fishes and invertebrates. Adult individuals are often territorial, while juveniles may occupy different microhabitats or shallower areas.

Like many groupers, Plectropomus species are believed to be protogynous hermaphrodites, typically starting life as females and later changing to males. Reproduction commonly occurs in spawning aggregations, with eggs released into the water column and pelagic larvae undergoing a planktonic life stage before settlement.

Human use centers on commercial and recreational fishing, as well as the live reef fish trade in some regions. Due to their value and reef association, these species are susceptible to overfishing and habitat degradation, and management measures such as size limits, seasonal closures, and protected areas are employed in various regions.

The leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) is a widely recognized member of the genus. The group comprises several other reef-associated species as well, with conservation statuses varying by species and region.