Overview
This endangered grouper is characterized by a base tawny color with stripes, spots, and bars imposed over the base color. It's color can vary based on the environment it is found in. Fish that occupy deeper waters often have a pink, orange, or red color.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
- Family
- Serranidae
- Genus
- Epinephelus
- Species
- striatus
Habitat
This grouper is a reef fish. It occupies ocean water up to 300 feet deep usually staying close to the reefs.
Diet
The diet of this grouper is made up of other smaller reef fish as well as crustaceans such as crabs and small lobsters.
Behavior
They are very slow breeders,but under the light of the full moon, they aggresivly spawn. They are easily approached by scuba divers. This specie of grouper uses its large mouth and excellent camoflage to ambush and suck in prey while feeding. The Nassau grouper is active only during the day or during high light periods.
Fishing
This fish has been overfished due to its high commercial value in the west indies. Fishing is no longer allowed for this subspecie.
Conservation Status
Listed as Endangered by IUCN.