grouper

Groupers are large marine fishes in the family Epinephelidae, within the order Perciformes. They occur in tropical and subtropical seas and are commonly associated with coral reefs, rocky substrates, and seagrass beds. The groupers encompass many species, including the goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) and the Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), with a broad distribution across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are typically stout-bodied with thick heads, large mouths, and strong teeth, and their coloration and patterns vary by species and age.

Groupers are carnivorous predators that feed on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, often employing ambush tactics. Most species are solitary, but some form spawning aggregations at specific times and locations. Many groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, beginning life as females and later changing to males, a trait that influences population dynamics. Reproduction produces free-swimming eggs and larvae that drift with currents.

Humans exploit groupers for food, and they are important in commercial and recreational fisheries. Some species are also raised in aquaculture, though farming groupers presents challenges related to growth, feeding, and disease. Groupers face pressures from overfishing, habitat degradation, and removal of juveniles. Management measures in various regions include size and catch limits, seasonal closures, and the establishment of marine protected areas, with some populations showing recovery under protection and others remaining at risk.