There are several species of groupers found around the world, including the dusky grouper, the big star of the French Mediterranean coast and more generally of the Mediterranean.
The dusky grouper measures around 3 feet and can reach up to 5 feet in length.
The dusky grouper has a brownish coloration either solid or mottled with yellow spots depending on the individual
Oval in shape, the grouper has a long dorsal fin and is characterized by a mouth surrounded by thick lips.
The dusky grouper has a brownish coloration either solid or mottled with yellow spots depending on the individual.
Geographic range
The dusky grouper is found in the Mediterranean sea as well as in the Atlantic ocean, from South Africa to Portugal. The dusky grouper is widely distributed in the Mediterranean, but its presence is now very uneven depending on the region.
It is especially well represented in the western Mediterranean, particularly in marine protected areas such as Port-Cros National Park, Scandola Nature Reserve, and the Medes islands, where populations have recovered thanks to protection measures.
In the eastern Mediterranean, the grouper is also present (Greece, Turkey), but populations are generally more scattered and less abundant due to higher fishing pressure and less consistent protection. It can still be observed on deep and well-preserved rocky habitats, especially in less exploited areas.
Habitat
The dusky grouper is a sedentary fish that lives close to the seabed, sheltering in rocky crevices or under rocky overhangs.
Its territory typically includes several shelters with one of them being regularly frequented.
The dusky grouper can be found at depths ranging from 16 to 33 feet down to approximately 656 feet.
Diet
The dusky grouper primarily feeds on fish, crustaceans and octopuses.
The distinctive mouth of the dusky grouper
The dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
A dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) waits under the shelter of a rocky overhang
Reproduction
The dusky grouper has the unique ability to change sex once in its lifetime. It starts as a female at a young age and becomes a male around 10 to 15 years old.
Did you know ?
The dusky grouper can live up to 50 years.
Despite its bulky appearance, it is capable of rapid acceleration to catch its prey.
Fishing with hooks and spearfishing for the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) are banned along the entire mainland Mediterranean coast. This moratorium on grouper fishing was extended by a prefectural decree on 12/17/2007 until 2013.
Tips for observing
The dusky grouper is not very shy and can be easily approached as long as no sudden movements are made.
Encounter with a dusky grouper
The video gallery
A dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) waits under the shelter of a rocky overhang
Within the same genus
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Blacktip grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus)
Brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus)
Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)
Greasy grouper (Epinephelus tauvina)
Honeycomb grouper (Epinephelus merra)
Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus)
Starry grouper (Epinephelus labriformis)
Within the same family
Atlantic creolefish (Paranthias furcifer)
Coney (Cephalopholis fulva)
Darkfin hind (Cephalopholis urodeta)
Gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis)
Halfspotted grouper (Cephalopholis hemistiktos)
Redmouth grouper (Aethaloperca rogaa)
Roving coral grouper (Plectropomus pessuliferus)
Tomato grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati)
Discover also
Blue runner (Caranx crysos)
Bluelined wrasse (Stethojulis albovittata)
Goldlined spinefoot (Siganus guttatus)
Gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus)
Lemon damselfish (Pomacentrus moluccensis)
Pajama cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera)
Ribbon eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita)
Ribboned sweetlips (Plectorhinchus polytaenia)
The marine species from Mediterranean sea
Dotted sea slug (Peltodoris atromaculata)
John dory (Zeus faber)
Mediterranean spider crab (Maja squinado)
Orange-red encrusting sponge (Crambe crambe)
Purple-striped jelly (Pelagia noctiluca)
Spiny starfish (Marthasterias glacialis)
Wide-eyed flounder (Bothus podas)
Yellow sponge Clathrina (Clathrina clathrus)
Our latestUpdates
Thursday, May 7th 2026
Faroe islands
Discover the Faroe islands, a remote archipelago between Iceland and Norway known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and untouched Nordic landscapes. Find travel tips, itineraries, hiking guides, local culture, and inspiration to explore this unique destination in the North Atlantic.
Wednesday, May 6th 2026
The short-finned pilot whale
Discover the tropical pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), a highly social large cetacean from tropical and subtropical waters, specialized in deep dives in search of squid.
Thursday, April 23rd 2026
Where to see groupers in the Mediterranean ?
Discover where to see groupers in the Mediterranean: the best diving spots and protected marine areas to observe this iconic fish in its natural habitat.
