Resolved what is this ???

It would be helpful if it were a profile picture, hard to see all the distinguishing markings / body shape. I still think it looks closer to a Panther but that is just me

 

The body shape is all wrong. I have imported hundreds of panther groupers and supply hatcheries that grow them in the tropics. It clearly is NOT a panther grouper.

It most likely is one of the following:

Epinephelus bontoides
Epinephelus corallicola

 

The first set of pictures is enough to ID it NOT as a panther grouper. The head shape is all wrong as is the eye placement.

 

All right I cave to your fish knowledge! I am but a Flamingo Tongue to your Clown Trigger.... Call the fish store already

 

FWIW using the internet to find a juvi version of the above fish i mentioned will not work/ Also, the marking can change fish to fish. The amount of spots and density of spots is variable. You can't use that to ID a juvi fish.

 

Post count has nothing to do with knowledge. I've worked in the trade for a rather long time and have been exposed to thousands upon thousands of fish in my days Not to mention I have a HUGE library of ID books and am willing to use them

 

I figured, I was just kidding

 

OK Guys !!!! Here are a couple more pic !!!!!
I have no idea what it is !!! but for $;D40.00 I could not pass it up !!!

 

i cant tell the angle of the nose from your picture but the color matches a snub nose. if the nose is like this one its a snub nose no doubt.

 

Watson. I think you are right !!!!!!!!!!!