Mycteroperca rubra reaches 144 cm and 35 kg. Large grouper of Mediterranean and tropical East Atlantic (Portugal to Angola, Cape Verde). Red-brown to brown-black body with irregular paler marbled patterns, rounded tail. Lives from 5 to 200 m on deep rocky reefs and coralligenous. Listed NT by IUCN following commercial and sport overfishing. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Ambush predator. Iconic photo subject of deep Med and Macaronesia dives. Rarer than Epinephelus marginatus (already in base) but potentially larger.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Mottled grouper?
Mottled grouper (Mycteroperca rubra) reaches 40–144 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Mottled grouper?
Mottled grouper is found between 5–200 m deep.
Is the Mottled grouper dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Mottled grouper?
IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
Where can you find the Mottled grouper?
Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.