Goldblotch grouper (Epinephelus costae)

Scientific name: Epinephelus costae Steindachner, 1878

The Goldblotch grouper (Epinephelus costae) is a marine fish of the family Serranidae. Native range: Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Records of Epinephelus alexandrinus from Madeira are apparently based on misidentifications of Myctoperca fusca.

Biology

Found on sand, mud or rock bottoms. Juveniles form small groups. Feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. Does not adapt well in aquariums.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Epinephelus costae
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 140
Depth range: 200 m (656 ft)
Environment: Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 200 m, usually 20 - 80 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Records of Epinephelus alexandrinus from Madeira are apparently based on misidentifications of Myctoperca fusca.
Conservation status (IUCN): Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=4)

Sources

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

Last updated 27 September 2026