Scientific name: Epinephelus marginatus
Common name: Dusky grouper
Family: Serranidae
Population status:
It is listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN red list
Threats:
The main threat to this species is overfishing.
Geography:
Mainly in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean
Habitat:
Rock bottom with presence of caves and crevices.
Depth:
From 8 to 300 meters
Measure:
Up to 150 cm
Reproduction:
A proterogynous hermaphrodite species, which reaches its first sexual maturity as a female at 5 years old and becomes a male at 10 years of age. They reproduce during the summer.
Feeding:
They feed on small fish, corstaceans and cephalopods, mainly octopuses.
Curiosities:
All small individuals are female.
Language / Communication:
There are studies that indicate that the grouper has the ability to emit sounds associated with reproductive behavior.
Danger for divers:
The grouper is considered a harmless fish.
Similar fish - possible confusion:
It can be confused with the Goldblotch grouper (Epinephelus costae), but it has a characteristic longitudinal spot pattern.
DIVING WITH GROUPERS - RESPECTFUL DIVING
Approach little by little without making sudden movements.
Do not approach closer than 1.5 meters.
If you want to take a photo, minimize the use of the flash.
Do not chase them, it is better to wait for them to calm down, to take the photo.
Remember that it is forbidden to feed them.
The grouper
