This extraordinary-looking fish is often called the panther, or ‘polka-dot’ grouper for its striking colour pattern of bold black spots against a white to creamy-grey body (3). Juveniles display fewer, larger black spots, which become smaller and more plentiful as the fish matures (4). When disturbed, individuals may develop a ‘fright colouration’, in which large brown blotches colour the skin (3). This unusual fish is also unique amongst the groupers in having an elongate, slender head that rises sharply at the nape of the neck, giving the species the distinctive ‘humpback’ appearance for which it is named (5). The long dorsal fin begins at the top of this ‘hump’ and extends almost the entire length of the body