Family : Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets) , subfamily: Epinephelinae
Order : Perciformes  (perch-likes)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Summan grouper
Fish Name : Epinephelus summana
Max size : 52.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 9710)
Environment : reef-associated ; depth range 1 - 20 m
Climate : tropical; 31°N - 9°N
Global Importance : fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)Distribution : Eastern Indian Ocean: known only from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Body robust. Serrae at the angle of the preopercle slightly enlarged; the upper edge of the operculum strongly convex. Posterior nostril of adults vertically elongate. Very similar to E. ongus which has longer pectoral fins, and a narrow white margin with broad blackish submarginal band on the median fins, which are absent or poorly developed in E. summana. Generally dark olive-brown to dark brownish gray with large pale blotches (most larger than the eye) and numerous small white spots overlying this pattern. Fins covered with small white spots, except for pectoral fins where the white spots are confined to the base.
Biology : Occurs in shallow protected coral reefs and in lagoons or brackish-water environments (Ref. 5222). No published information on the biology of this species has been found (Ref. 5222). Sold fresh in local markets (Ref. 5222)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator : Heemstra, Phillip C.
Main Ref : Heemstra, P.C. and J.E. Randall. 1993. (Ref. 5222)

India country information
Common Names : Suman grouper
Status : questionable
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses