Marbled grouper

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8-10. Distinguished by the following characteristics: body and fins black with many large white blotches (Ref. 13608). Compressed, with a large pectoral fin; scales smooth (Ref. 26938); greatest depth of body 2.2-2.5 in SL; body width 2.2-2.9 times in depth; head length 2.5-2.8 times in SL; rounded preopercle, finely serrate, serrae at the angle slightly enlarged (Ref. 089707).