Grouper

Grouper
Epinephelus lanceolatus
Max. size: 2.7 metres for 300 Kg.

 

Geographical distribution:
Indo-Pacific

 

Biology:
Also known as a giant rockling, this is one of the largest groupers to be found in warm, shallow coastal waters and estuaries.
A solitary, sedentary fish, it feeds on other fish, such as lobster, skate and young turtles. Its feeding method is very simple: when the prey comes close to its large mouth, it opens it quickly and the water rushes in, taking the unfortunate prey with it.

A curious, relatively sociable animal, the grouper is a delight to divers with whom it can be very familiar, as long as it isn’t offered something to eat.  Be careful, even if it allows itself to be approached, certain large specimens have been known to attack and have killed people.

This hermaphroditic fish becomes female when it reaches sexual maturity.  It reproduces for a few years and then becomes male towards 10 years old.  In the shark ring, Mr. Grouper, 1.30 metres long and weighing 120kg, moves around placidly at the base of the fault line and allows its gills to be cleaned all day long by the labroids (cleaner fish).

 

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