Giant grouper

Who is it? 

The giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) is the largest bony fish in the coral reefs. Its 600kg maximum weight award it that distinction. It is also known for being the marine emblem of Queensland (Australia). Among its morphological features, its enormous mouth stands out, as does its fan-shaped tail. As regards colouration, it is greyish-green or greenish-grey, in the case of adults (with small black marks on the fins); whereas the fry are very colourful and have irregular areas with black, white and yellow blotches. It is a fish which lives in caves or shipwrecks in the Indo-Pacific region.

What are its habits?

The diet of the giant grouper is based on a broad range of prey and include small fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, small turtles and sharks. It may be found at a depth of 100m, though it usually prefers shallower waters nearer the reef where it feeds.

Did you know…

When eating, nothing and nobody can stop the giant grouper. Hence there are mariners who know this species by the nickname “Hell fish”.