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.
Range
The dusky grouper is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from South Africa to Portugal.
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)
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
Speckledfin grouper (Epinephelus ongus)
Camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion)
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Greasy grouper (Epinephelus tauvina)
Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus)
Brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus)
Potato grouper (Epinephelus tukula)
Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
Within the same family
Gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis)
Atlantic creolefish (Paranthias furcifer)
Pacific creolefish (Cephalopholis colonus)
Bluespotted grouper (Cephalopholis cyanostigma)
Highfin coral grouper (Plectropomus oligacanthus)
Tomato grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati)
Halfspotted grouper (Cephalopholis hemistiktos)
Coral grouper (Cephalopholis miniata)
Explore also
Saucereye porgy (Calamus calamus)
Goldback damselfish (Pomacentrus nigromanus)
Yellow and blueback fusilier (Caesio teres)
Ribboned sweetlips (Plectorhinchus polytaenia)
Undulated moray (Gymnothorax undulatus)
Schoolmaster snapper (Lutjanus apodus)
Blacktail angelfish (Centropyge eibli)
Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti)
The marine species from Mediterranean sea
Black sea urchin (Arbacia lixula)
European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas)
Green spoon worm (Bonellia viridis)
Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica)
Orange-red encrusting sponge (Crambe crambe)
Purse codium (Codium bursa)
Spinous squat lobster (Galathea strigosa)
Stony sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus)
Our latestUpdates
Wednesday, July 9th 2025
Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America
Located just 28 miles north of Miami, the city of Fort Lauderdale is a chic yet laid-back destination, nicknamed the Venice of America thanks to its 310 miles of navigable canals. This coastal city, long overshadowed by its southern neighbor, is now emerging as a must-visit spot in South Florida, combining white-sand beaches, refined lifestyle and lush natural surroundings.
Tuesday, July 8th 2025
The big skate
The big skate is one of the largest species of its genus and one of the most distinctive skates along the northeastern Pacific coast. This bottom-dwelling species is easily recognized by two large, dark eyespots on its dorsal surface that resemble prominent eyes.
Monday, May 5th 2025
The California spiny lobster
The California spiny lobster has an elongated body and a hard exoskeleton, usually brown in color with yellow or orange patterns. The California spiny lobster inhabits the temperate waters along the eastern coast of the Pacific Ocean, particularly those of California and the Gulf of California.
