Nassau grouper

Hamlet
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Groupers, hamlets, hinds, seabasses, sand-perches, tatleys
Scientific Family Serranidae
Scientific Name Epinephelus striatus
Spanish Name Cherna criolla
ITIS# 167706
Tail shape Rounded

Ground color tawny in individuals in shallow water, shading to pinkish or red in those from deeper water, sometimes with an orange cast. Can change color pattern in a few minutes from almost white to uniformly dark brown depending on mood.


Biology

Occurs from the shoreline to at least 270 feet (90 m) depth. Usually close to caves. The juveniles are common in seagrass beds, feeding mainly on crustaceans; adults common in shallow coral reefs. Observed hiding among the leaves of the turtle grass, presumably in wait of prey; the coloration may serve primarily to conceal it from prey rather than from predators.

Appearance

Body Shape
Fusiform
Color
Main Color: Beige
Other Color: brown
Common Body Shape
Torpedo-shaped


Pattern
Barred
Length
Avg Length:
Max Length: 48 inches (122 cm)
Maximum Weight
55 lbs (25000 g)




Specifications

Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
Endangered
Range in USA
NC-TX


Abundance
Uncommon


Other Species from same Family