The Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) is a marine (saltwater) fish in the Serranidae family of ray-finned groupers. It is also known as the Yellowbelly Rock Cod or the Yellowbelly Grouper.
The Dusky Grouper is a very large, oval-shaped, large-headed fish with a wide mouth and a protruding lower jaw. It is grey or dark reddish-brown, usually with yellow-gold counter-shading. It has irregular pale green-yellow or silver-grey blotches on its head and body. There are black tips on its pelvic fins. It has large, bulging, blue eyes.
It grows to 90-150 centimetres (35-59 inches) in length.
It is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the coast of north Africa. It prefers rocky reefs and areas with seagrass.
It feeds on molluscs (snails), crustaceans (crabs and shrimp), fish, and octopus.
The Dusky Grouper is solitary and territorial, chasing other fish away from its territory.
It is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning that all fish begin life as a female. As they age, they develop into males.
The female lays eggs and the male defends the eggs until they hatch.
It ives up to 50 years.
Location of photographs: Aquarium de Paris-Cinéaqua, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM