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Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)

Key facts

Scientific name
Epinephelus lanceolatus
Common name
Giant grouper
Category
Fish
Family
Epinephelidae
Genus
Epinephelus
Size
100–270 cm
Depth
4–100 m
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
reef, wreck
Behaviours
solitary, territorial
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific

Description

Epinephelus lanceolatus reaches 2.7 m and 400 kg, the largest reef bony fish. Massive yellowish body spotted in juveniles, turning uniformly grey-black with age, huge mouth. Protogynous hermaphrodite with slow growth (can live 50 years). Able to swallow juvenile blacktip sharks and turtles. Populations greatly reduced, protected in several countries. Remarkable sightings in the Philippines, Toliara (Madagascar) and Fiji.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Giant grouper?
Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) reaches 100–270 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Giant grouper?
Giant grouper is found between 4–100 m deep.
Is the Giant grouper dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Giant grouper?
IUCN status: Data deficient (DD).
Where can you find the Giant grouper?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Epinephelus

  • Epinephelus marginatus - Dusky grouper
  • Epinephelus itajara - Atlantic goliath grouper
  • Epinephelus striatus - Nassau grouper
  • Epinephelus fasciatus - Blacktip grouper
  • Epinephelus costae - Golden grouper
  • Epinephelus aeneus - White grouper

Other species in the family Epinephelidae

  • Cephalopholis fulva - Coney
  • Cephalopholis cruentata - Graysby
  • Mycteroperca tigris - Tiger grouper
  • Plectropomus leopardus - Leopard coralgrouper
  • Cromileptes altivelis - Humpback grouper
  • Variola louti - Yellow-edged lyretail grouper

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 218224)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2388587)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia