Grouper

Grouper, common name for numerous heavy-bodied, large-jawed, sedentary fishes found close to weeds, coral, and other protected coastal areas. Groupers inhabit temperate and, especially, tropical waters. They vary in size from the large Australian grouper, which measures 3.5 m (11 ft), to species measuring less than 10 cm (less than 4 in). A typical and well-known example, the Nassau grouper of the Caribbean, is about 90 cm (about 35 in) long. It takes positions near coral reefs and makes dashes for crabs, cuttlefish, and other prey, which it crushes with its powerful jaws. Groupers have 9 to 11 prominent spines on the front part of their dorsal fins.

Most groupers can change their coloration. Some, such as the blue-spotted argus, can do this almost instantaneously, changing from a dark to a light color when feeding or alarmed. The blackfin grouper is dark red when taken in deep waters but much lighter when taken in shallow waters. The smaller species that show spectacular color changes are highly valued by aquarists. Many species undergo sex reversal from male to female, producing sperm when young and producing eggs later on. Sometimes they produce both, but it is not known whether they can self-fertilize.

Groupers are important food fishes. Besides the Nassau grouper, species commonly fished in the West Indies and the southeastern United States are the red grouper, the rock hind, and the warsaw grouper. The well-known jewfish, or goliath grouper, found from Florida to Brazil, is among the largest, reaching a weight of about 340 kg (about 750 lb). Species common to the Pacific coast of California and Mexico are the spotted cabrilla, the gulf grouper, and the broomtail grouper. See Sea Bass.

Scientific classification: Groupers belong to the family Serranidae. The Australian grouper is classified as Epinephelus lanceolatus, the Nassau grouper as Epinephelus striatus, the blue-spotted argus as Cephalophalus argus, and the blackfin grouper as Mycteroperca bonaci. The red grouper is classified as Epinephelus morio, the rock hind as Epinephelus adscensionis, and the warsaw grouper as Epinephelus nigritus. The jewfish, or goliath grouper, is classified as Epinephelus itajara. The spotted cabrilla is classified as Epinephelus analogus, the gulf grouper as Mycteroperca jordani, and the broomtail grouper as Mycteroperca xenarcha.