There are several species of groupers found around the world, including the dusky grouper, the big star of the French Mediterranean coast and more generally of the Mediterranean.
The dusky grouper measures around 3 feet and can reach up to 5 feet in length.
The dusky grouper has a brownish coloration either solid or mottled with yellow spots depending on the individual
Oval in shape, the grouper has a long dorsal fin and is characterized by a mouth surrounded by thick lips.
The dusky grouper has a brownish coloration either solid or mottled with yellow spots depending on the individual.
Geographic range
The dusky grouper is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from South Africa to Portugal.
Habitat
The dusky grouper is a sedentary fish that lives close to the seabed, sheltering in rocky crevices or under rocky overhangs.
Its territory typically includes several shelters with one of them being regularly frequented.
The dusky grouper can be found at depths ranging from 16 to 33 feet down to approximately 656 feet.
Diet
The dusky grouper primarily feeds on fish, crustaceans and octopuses.
The distinctive mouth of the dusky grouper
The dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
Reproduction
The dusky grouper has the unique ability to change sex once in its lifetime. It starts as a female at a young age and becomes a male around 10 to 15 years old.
Did you know ?
The dusky grouper can live up to 50 years.
Despite its bulky appearance, it is capable of rapid acceleration to catch its prey.
Fishing with hooks and spearfishing for the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) are banned along the entire mainland Mediterranean coast. This moratorium on grouper fishing was extended by a prefectural decree on 12/17/2007 until 2013.
Tips for observing
The dusky grouper is not very shy and can be easily approached as long as no sudden movements are made.
Encounter with a dusky grouper
The video gallery
A dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) waits under the shelter of a rocky overhang
Within the same genus
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Blacktip grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus)
Brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus)
Greasy grouper (Epinephelus tauvina)
Potato grouper (Epinephelus tukula)
Red grouper (Epinephelus morio)
Red hind grouper (Epinephelus guttatus)
Starry grouper (Epinephelus labriformis)
Within the same family
Atlantic creolefish (Paranthias furcifer)
Coral grouper (Cephalopholis miniata)
Halfspotted grouper (Cephalopholis hemistiktos)
Pacific creolefish (Cephalopholis colonus)
Peacock grouper (Cephalopholis argus)
Redmouth grouper (Aethaloperca rogaa)
Roving coral grouper (Plectropomus pessuliferus)
Tomato grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati)
Discover also
Aron's blenny (Ecsenius aroni)
Brown chromis (Chromis multilineata)
Longspined porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus)
Red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa)
Slender filefish (Monacanthus tuckeri)
Smooth trunkfish (Rhinesomus triqueter)
Tail-spot wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)
Yellowfin surgeonfish (Acanthurus xanthopterus)
The marine species from Mediterranean sea
Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
Common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris)
Light bulb sea squirt (Clavelina lepadiformis)
Many-ribbed jellyfish (Aequorea forskalea)
Mediterranean rainbow wrasse (Coris julis)
Pink flatworm (Prostheceraeus roseus)
Ringneck blenny (Parablennius pilicornis)
Yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis)
Our latestUpdates
Wednesday, February 18th 2026
The Atlantic tarpon
The Atlantic tarpon is a large coastal fish that can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 330 pounds, with a silvery body covered in large, reflective scales. Known as the Silver King, it is famous for its spectacular leaps and fierce fight when hooked by sport fishermen.
Friday, January 30th 2026
The dugong
Discover the dugong, a gentle “sea cow” of tropical waters. Learn about its habitat, diet, reproduction, morphology, and the threats facing this unique marine mammal.
Friday, January 23rd 2026
Dolphins: ocean's smartest creatures
Discover dolphins, the ocean's geniuses: explore their intelligence, social behavior, sophisticated communication, species diversity and vital role in marine ecosystems.
Photo of the Day
Poulpe géant du nord du Pacifique (Enteroctopus dofleini)
