This picture is taken in Apo Island Marine Reserve February 27 - 2007 It is around 20 cm. long and wiggled a bit when swimming.
Sweetlips use their PECTORIAL Fins to move and that explanes what you are telling . The species could be belonging to the GATERIN Genus , but the family of sweetlips has many species that resemble and the other problem is that they vary a lot within in Juvenile or adult colorphase.Having a second look , it looks more to me a Ephinephelus( grouper kind) this by judging the eyes . The eyes are very much extended , which is not with sweetlips at all , but with grouper as their eyes are bigger for adaption as result of their more nocturnal way of life. Finaly ,Sweetlips fail to have the Anal fin , which ( correct me if I am wrong) is to be seen clearly on the leftside just before the Pinna Caudalis (tail) If I could have a pictures from the side taken , I could give you a 100% sure on this one.. For the time being ..pretty much sure .. a grouper named Epinephelus merra . Also called HONEYCOMB Grouper . THis as the dark spots resemble the Honeycomb structure The picture attached is of a Formaline preperation specimen and therefore somewhat different . However notice the Anal fin and the pattern. The other picture is of a live one . Within Ephinephelus there are LOTS of species that "look a like " . Also the pattern changes from juvenile to adult .
