【Ecology】

Eightbar Grouper (Hyporthodus octofasciatus), known in Japan as Mahatamodoki, is a large deep-water grouper distributed in the western Pacific, including the waters of southern Japan, Taiwan, China, and parts of Southeast Asia. It inhabits rocky reefs, steep continental slopes, and offshore reef environments, typically at depths of approximately 50–400 meters, although adults are most commonly encountered in deeper waters.

This species has a robust, elongated body with a large head, broad mouth, and powerful jaws adapted for capturing fish and crustaceans. Juveniles display a distinctive pattern of eight dark vertical bands across the body, which gives rise to the common name “Eightbar Grouper.” As the fish matures, these bands gradually fade, and adults become darker in coloration, ranging from brownish-gray to dark olive.

【Common names in various languages】

Common English name: Eightbar grouper

Japanese name: Mahatamodoki (真羽太擬)

Taiwan common name: 八帶石斑魚

Thai common name: ปลากะรังถ่าน

Scientific name: Hyporthodus octofasciatus (Griffin, 1926)