Overview
Color is variable and can change, however the head and body are generally dark brown with a reddish cast, shading to pink or reddish below, with pale poorly defined pale areas and small black spots around the eye. The lining of the mouth varies from scarlet to orange. The soft dorsal, caudal and anal fins are dark with narrow white edges. This species is distinguished from Nassau grouper by its lack of a black saddle spot on the top of the tail just behind the dorsal fin and its straight first dorsal fin.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
- Family
- Serranidae
- Genus
- Epinephelus
- Species
- morio
Habitat
Juveniles may be found in shallow water, but adults are mainly found resting in potholes on, or edges close to rocky, flat bottoms in depths up to 1000 ft (305 m). Red grouper rarely occur around coral reefs.
Diet
Red groupers primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods such as crabs, shrimp, and octopuses. They employ an ambush strategy, hiding in rocky crevices and striking at prey that passes by. Feeding often occurs at dawn and dusk in their preferred depths.
Behavior
Red groupers are solitary and territorial, often defending specific potholes or rocky areas on the seafloor. They are mostly sedentary during the day and become more active at night for feeding. These fish can change color rapidly for camouflage or communication purposes.
Fishing
Like other grouper, the Red, is usually caught while bottom fishing with cut or live bait. Unlike other grouper that are associated with reefs, reds can be taken on relatively light tackle.This grouper is one of the most important species of fish caught off the coast of Florida, the Campeche Bank and Yucatan Peninsula. While not as highly rated in food value as some others groupers, the red grouper is still considered fine table fare.
Conservation Status
Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN.