The graysby is characterized by its fins and body, which are completely covered with reddish spots. Additionally, three spots of black and sometimes white, appear on the upper part of its back.
The graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata)
The graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata)
The graysby is a fish whose maximum size can reach up to 24 inches in length.
Geographic range
The graysby is found in the northwestern waters of the Atlantic ocean, as well as in the Caribbean sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It can be found along the coasts of Florida, the Florida Keys islands and the Caribbean islands like Guadeloupe.
Habitat
The graysby frequents rocky bottoms and coral reefs, where it seeks shelter in crevices or under overhangs.
The graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata)
The graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata)
Diet
The graysby primarily feeds on fish and crustaceans, which it hunts while camouflaged in its hiding spot.
Did you know ?
The graysby is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The graysby appears in the IUCN Red List since 2018 within the category Least Concern !
The graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata)
The graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata)
Within the same genus
Bluespotted grouper (Cephalopholis cyanostigma)
Coney (Cephalopholis fulva)
Coral grouper (Cephalopholis miniata)
Darkfin hind (Cephalopholis urodeta)
Halfspotted grouper (Cephalopholis hemistiktos)
Pacific creolefish (Cephalopholis colonus)
Peacock grouper (Cephalopholis argus)
Tomato grouper (Cephalopholis sonnerati)
Within the same family
Brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus)
Camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion)
Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)
Greasy grouper (Epinephelus tauvina)
Highfin coral grouper (Plectropomus oligacanthus)
Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus)
Red hind grouper (Epinephelus guttatus)
Starry grouper (Epinephelus labriformis)
Discover also
Bluering angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)
Common snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
Crocodile snake eel (Brachysomophis henshawi)
Goldbelly damselfish (Pomacentrus auriventris)
Parva goby (Valenciennea parva)
Sargassum triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens)
Swarthy Parrotfish (Scarus niger)
Two eyed butterflyfish (Coradion melanopus)
The marine species from Caribbean sea
Ballyhoo (Hemiramphus brasiliensis)
Batwing coral crab (Carpilius corallinus)
Blue runner (Caranx crysos)
Pederson cleaner shrimp (Ancylomenes pedersoni)
Sand tilefish (Malacanthus plumieri)
Scrawled filefish (Aluterus scriptus)
Yellow tube sponge (Aplysina fistularis)
Yellowline arrow crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis)
Dive centers
'Les Ilets' dive center
Noa dive center
Our latestUpdates
Thursday, May 7th 2026
Faroe islands
Discover the Faroe islands, a remote archipelago between Iceland and Norway known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and untouched Nordic landscapes. Find travel tips, itineraries, hiking guides, local culture, and inspiration to explore this unique destination in the North Atlantic.
Wednesday, May 6th 2026
The short-finned pilot whale
Discover the tropical pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), a highly social large cetacean from tropical and subtropical waters, specialized in deep dives in search of squid.
Thursday, April 23rd 2026
Where to see groupers in the Mediterranean ?
Discover where to see groupers in the Mediterranean: the best diving spots and protected marine areas to observe this iconic fish in its natural habitat.
Photo of the Day
Crabe araignée géant du Japon (Macrocheira kaempferi)
