Leopard Grouper

ID points

• Brown ground densely covered with small red-brown spots
• Body more slender than that of most groupers
• A few individuals show a rare golden yellow form

Basics

Family

Serranidae

Length

60–100 cm

Depth

2-50 m

Regions

Temperate & polar

Distribution

Eastern Pacific, Gulf of California to the coast of Mexico

Habitat

Rocky reefs in warm seas

Diet

Fish, crustaceans

Easily confused with

Camouflage GrouperBrown blotches join into camouflage with blurred edgesGrouperLarge head and mouth, with the lower jaw slightly protrudingPotato GrouperLarge potato-shaped dark blotches scattered on a greyish white ground

Fun fact

Covered in orange-red spots, the leopard grouper can change how dark it is within seconds, and when it is worked up the markings snap into sharp contrast. It is a real quick-change artist of the reef.

More in this family

• Anthias
• Barramundi Cod
• Coral Hind
• Coral Trout
• Giant Grouper
• Peacock Grouper