Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton 1822) —Orange-spotted grouper

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from New Ireland as Epinephelus suillus by Kailola (1987b: 232); subsequently reported from Lihir Group, Namatamai District, New Ireland by Fry et al. (2006: 130). Specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005, and collected by Barry C. Russell on 7 and 28 June 2014.

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 2, 5.—General distribution: Red Sea, East Africa and western Mascarenes east to Fiji, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found in various reef-associated habitats, including estuaries, 0–100 m depth. Transitional water and marine.