Red Grouper: Epinephelus morio
Appearance:
- Color brownish red
- Lining of mouth scarlet-orange
- Blotches on sides in unorganized pattern
- Second spine of dorsal fin longer than others
- Pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins; squared off tail
- Margin of soft dorsal black with white at midfin
- Black dots around the eyes
Habitat:
Red grouper are a bottom dwelling fish associated with hard bottoms. Juveniles are found offshore along with adults greater than 6 years old. Fish from 1 to 6 years occupy nearshore reefs.
Behavior:
This fish spawns in April and May. Red grouper prefer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F. Like many other grouper, red grouper undergo a sex reversal; young individual females becoming males as they age. Red grouper have a lifespan of at least 25 years. They feeds on squid, crustaceans, and fish.