Groupers

Details

Epinephelus is a genus of serranid groupers—iconic benthic ambush predators of tropical and subtropical seas. Most species inhabit coral/rocky reefs and play significant ecological and economic roles.

Ecology & Biology

• Diet: fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods—typical sit‑and‑wait hunters.

• Reproduction: many species are protogynous hermaphrodites (female first, then male) and spawn in seasonal aggregations.

• Behaviour: shelter in crevices/caves; crepuscular activity common; territorial tendencies in some taxa.

• Growth: wide size range from medium to giant; generally late‑maturing, long‑lived.

Identification

Robust, fusiform to elongate‑oval body with a large mouth and slightly projecting lower jaw. Patterns include spots, blotches or reticulations; dorsal fin with spines and soft rays; rounded to truncate caudal fin. Species‑level ID relies on colour pattern, scale counts, fin formulae and head spination.

Size & Longevity

• Length: typically 30–120 cm; giants can exceed 200 cm.

• Weight: commonly 1–30 kg; largest species may reach tens to hundreds of kilograms.

• Life: often 10–40+ years depending on species.

Range & Habitat

Widespread in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific across coral/rocky reefs, wrecks and shelf edges; some enter mangroves/estuaries.

Fisheries & Management

• Fisheries/aquaculture: high market value; overfishing and exploitation of spawning aggregations cause declines.

• Management: size limits, seasonal closures, gear restrictions, MPAs and catch controls; traceability to reduce illegal trade.

IUCN: this is a genus‑level overview; statuses vary widely among species (LC–EN). Marked here as Not Evaluated (NE).