Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)

Scientific name: Epinephelus marginatus Lowe, 1834

The Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae.

Biology

Prefers rocky bottoms. Solitary and territorial. Juveniles are found closer to shore in rocky tidal pools. Feeds on crabs and octopi; larger individuals feed on a greater proportion of fishes, the majority of which are reef-associated species. A protogynous hermaphrodite. Forms spawning aggregations. Utilized as a food fish. Readily caught by anglers. Does not adapt well in an aquarium.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Epinephelus marginatus
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 150
Depth range: 8–300 m (26–984 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 8 - 300 m, usually ? - 50 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Eastern Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: throughout the Mediterranean Sea and from the British Isles round to the southern tip of Africa to southern Mozambique and Madagascar. Southwest Atlantic: southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Conservation status (IUCN): Endangered (EN) (A2d), IUCN Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: highly commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.03-0.09; tmax=50; tm=5)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026