Plectropomus leopardus (Lacepède 1802) —Leopard coral grouper

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from New Ireland by Kailola (1987b: 233). Specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005, and by Barry C. Russell on 28 June 2014; 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: Indonesia east to Philippines and Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary in coastal and lagoon reefs, 3–100 m depth. Marine.