- EnglishName: Cometgrouper
- Local Name : Dhunthari faana
- Size : Max. 73 cm
- Family: Order : Specimen
- Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 14-15 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 7-8 rays. Pectoral fin with 7-18 rays. Body depth 2.8-3.1 in standard length. Maxillary not reaching past eye. Preopercle finely serrated with 2 to 5 enlarged serrae at angle. Sides of lower jaw with 2 rows of teeth. Caudal fin slightly to moderately rounded. Dorsal fin membrane distinctly indented between spines.
Colour: Light brownish with dark brown bands. A dark band from upper edge of opercle to blotch below dorsal fin and dark bands on head as illustrated. - Habitat and Biology: A deep water species that is usually found in depths of 80 to 370 m. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
- Remarks: Epinephelus morrhua is a large deepwater grouper. Several specimens were caught in 80-100 m depth by R.V. ‘Farumas’ fishing with longline by day along the eastern side of North Male�? Atoll.