Animal Profiles
Fish

Grouper Fish

Epinephelinae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Groupers are stout predatory fishes with large mouths. This account follows the Atlantic goliath grouper, which uses reefs and other coastal shelters while juveniles rely heavily on mangroves.

Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), the representative described here.

Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), the representative described here.

Albert kok · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Epinephelus itajara is the representative described here. It occurs in Atlantic coastal waters. The eastern Pacific goliath grouper is a separate species and is not included in this account.
Habitat
Coral reef, Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Crustaceans and fishes form important foods.

Classification

Common name
Grouper Fish
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Epinephelinae
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Three things to know

  • Juveniles use mangrove habitats.
  • Adults have very broad heads.
  • It often stays near a shelter.

Habitat and range

Epinephelus itajara is the representative described here. It occurs in Atlantic coastal waters. The eastern Pacific goliath grouper is a separate species and is not included in this account.

Appearance and adaptations

A very broad head and large mouth give this fish a bulky outline. Adults can be brownish, grey or greenish, with darker spotting. Young fish have more conspicuous bars.

Diet and behaviour

Crustaceans and fishes form important foods. Adults often stay near a refuge such as a cave or wreck and can defend that shelter. Mangrove and estuarine habitats provide cover for juveniles.

Sources

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