Blacktip grouper, Redbanded grouper

   The coloration is variable, ranging from pale greenish-gray to pale reddish-yellow and scarlet. They often have five or six faint dark stripes, the last of which is on the caudal peduncle. The scales on the upper body have a light center and a dark posterior edge, creating a vague checkered pattern. A distinctive feature is the black or dark brown triangular spots at the apex of each hard ray of the dorsal fin. The eyes often have a narrow black rim.