Epinephelus maculatus (Bloch 1790) —Highfin grouper

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from New Hanover by Munro (1958: 164). Specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005.

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Cocos-Keeling Islands (eastern Indian Ocean) east to Samoa, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island. Solitary, on sand adjacent to coastal and seaward reefs, 2–100 m depth. Marine.