Epinephelus polystigma (Bleeker 1853) —White-dotted grouper

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from Kavieng, New Ireland by Hamilton et al. (2005: 10).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 2.—General distribution: Sumatra (Indonesia) and Philippines east to Solomon Islands, south to northern Queensland (Australia). Solitary estuaries and mangrove area, 1–4 m depth. Freshwater, transitional water.