Cephalopholis panamensis (Steindachner, 1876)
Pacific graysby
photo by Boyle, K.S.

Family:  Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Max. size:  39 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 80 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Distinguished by the following characteristics: body depth 2.7-2.9 in SL; head length 2.3-2.5 in SL; rounded preopercle, finely serrate; posterior and anterior nostril subequal; third dorsal spine, longest, membranes incised between anterior spines; pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins, pectoral fin length 1.5-1.7 in head length; caudal fin rounded; lateral body scales strongly ctenoid; lateral line scales 48-49; lateral scale series 80-83 (Ref. 089707)
Biology:  Found in coral reefs; also along rocky shores (Ref. 5222). A shy and secretive species (Ref. 5222). Feeds on fishes and crustaceans; reaches at least 25 years; recently confirmed as a protogynous hermaphrodite, spawning peaks in July and August in the Gulf of California (Ref. 089707).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 December 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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