Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Epinephelus marginatus
- Common name
- Dusky grouper
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Epinephelidae
- Genus
- Epinephelus
- Size
- 60–150 cm
- Depth
- 8–50 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- reef, rocky, cave
- Behaviours
- solitary, territorial, curious
- Ocean zones
- Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia
Description
Epinephelus marginatus, the dusky grouper, reaches 1.5 m and 60 kg. Territorial, holding a crevice or cave which it defends. Protogynous hermaphrodite (female then male). Protected by a fishing moratorium in France since 1993. Curious and responsive to divers, it is an iconic Mediterranean species.
Photo of Dusky grouper
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Dusky grouper?
- Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) reaches 60–150 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Dusky grouper?
- Dusky grouper is found between 8–50 m deep.
- Is the Dusky grouper dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Dusky grouper?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Dusky grouper?
- Found in: Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia.
Other species in the genus Epinephelus
- Epinephelus striatus - Nassau grouper
- Epinephelus fasciatus - Blacktip grouper
- Epinephelus costae - Golden grouper
- Epinephelus labriformis - Starry grouper
- Epinephelus goreensis - Dungat grouper
- Epinephelus itajara - Atlantic goliath grouper
Other species in the family Epinephelidae
- Cephalopholis fulva - Coney
- Cephalopholis cruentata - Graysby
- Mycteroperca tigris - Tiger grouper
- Mycteroperca venenosa - Yellowfin grouper
- Mycteroperca fusca - Island grouper
- Mycteroperca rosacea - Leopard grouper
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127036)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2388507)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia