Giant Grouper

Epinephelus lanceolatus

RareSerranidaeCiguatera risk

ID points

Can reach over two metres and is extremely bulky
Juveniles have large irregular yellow and black blotches, adults turn dark grey
Broad head, the mouth opens wide enough to swallow a whole fish

Basics

Family: Serranidae
Length: 1.5–2.7 m
Depth: 1-100 m
Regions: Indo-Pacific reefs
Distribution: Indo-Pacific coral and rocky reefs
Habitat: Reef caves and wrecks
Diet: Fish, lobsters, small sharks

Easily confused with

Camouflage GrouperBrown blotches join into camouflage with blurred edges

GrouperLarge head and mouth, with the lower jaw slightly protruding

Coral HindOrange-red ground covered with small blue dots edged in dark

Fun fact

The giant grouper can reach 400 kg, making it the largest of all reef fishes, and it swallows small sharks and turtles whole. Every individual is born female, and some turn male as adults.

More in this family

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