Plectropomus areolatus (Rüppell 1830) —Squaretail coral grouper

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from Kavieng, New Ireland by Hamilton et al. (2005: 10); specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005, and by Barry C. Russell during 7–28 June 2014. A specimen photographed at Lissenung Island, Kavieng District at 25 m depth by Dean Tully in Sept. 2015; a video of a specimen taken at Martha's Shoal, off eastern New Hanover, at 7–41 m depth, St. KR 122, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Red Sea east to Marshall and Phoenix islands and Samoa, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia. Solitary in coastal, lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 1–20 m depth. Marine.