Plectropomus oligacanthus (Bleeker 1855) —Highfin coral grouper (Fig. 55)

Status at New Ireland. New record, based on specimens photographed on 4 June 2013 during ACIAR Aquarium Survey in Kavieng District; a specimen observed at Kavieng fish market by Barry C. Russell on 28 June 2014; a specimen photographed at Lissenung Island by Dietmar Amon on 28 Mar. 2007, another at St. KVG 17 on the Bismarck Sea side of northern Kavieng District by Serge Andréfouët on 18 Aug. 2014; a video of a specimen taken at Martha's Shoal, east of New Hanover, St. KR 154, at 6–20 m depth, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Indonesia east to Marshall and Solomon islands, north to Sabah (Malaysia) and Philippines, south to Cape York (Queensland, Australia). Found on seaward coral reef slopes, 5–147 m depth. Marine.