Red grouper (Epinephelus morio) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 5–330 m.
Scientific name: Epinephelus morio · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 125 cm
The red grouper is an epinephelid that occurs mainly over rocky and muddy bottoms and is uncommon around coral reefs, usually resting on the bottom. Juveniles are found in shallow water while adults are usually taken from 70 to 330 m, and the species is recorded from 5 to 330 m overall. It feeds on a wide variety of fishes and invertebrates, and it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, most females transforming into males between the ages of seven and 14. It is susceptible to red tide toxin. Its range is the western Atlantic, from North Carolina to southern Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, with strays north to Massachusetts. Maximum length is about 125 cm total length, commonly about 50 cm, and it can live 25 years, maturing at about 54 cm. It is a commercial species, a gamefish and is kept in public aquariums, and it is marketed fresh or frozen. Fishing vulnerability is high at 64 of 100 and resilience medium, the price category is medium, and climate vulnerability is high at 63 of 100. IUCN lists it as vulnerable.
Back to home · United States · Species library