Epinephelus costae (Steindachner 1878) —Goldblotch grouper

Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Epinephelus alexandrinus, C.V. by Gruvel (1931: 100); subsequently recorded as Epinephelus alexandrinus (Valenciennes 1828) by George et al. (1964: 17); as Epinephelus alexandrinus (Valenciennes) by Mouneimné (1977: 62); as Epinephelus alexandrinus (Valenciennes 1828) by Mouneimné (2002: 132); recently recorded as Epinephelus costae by Harmelin-Vivien et al. (2005: 629). Material in collection: AUBM, BMNH and USNM (as E. alexandrinus).

Distribution. Mediterranean Sea, eastern Atlantic: Galicia (Spain) south to Angola, including Canary and Cape Verde Islands.

Conservation. IUCN: Global (DD: 17 November 2016); Med. (DD: 1 January 2008). Capture and threats: FIT, Unknown. Occurrence: Common. Significant decline in the last two decades. High priority for conservation action.