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
Camouflage grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion)
Gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis)
Greasy grouper (Epinephelus tauvina)
Honeycomb grouper (Epinephelus merra)
Redmouth grouper (Aethaloperca rogaa)
Roving coral grouper (Plectropomus pessuliferus)
Speckledfin grouper (Epinephelus ongus)
Starry grouper (Epinephelus labriformis)
Discover also
Blubberlip snapper (Lutjanus rivulatus)
Delicate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus leptosoma)
Eightband butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus)
Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta)
Oriental sweetlips (Plectorhinchus vittatus)
Whitespotted filefish (Cantherhines dumerilii)
Wolf eel (Anarrhichthys ocellatus)
Zebra seabream (Diplodus cervinus)
The marine species from Caribbean sea
Atlantic trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus)
Glasseye snapper (Heteropriacanthus cruentatus)
Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
Peacock flounder (Bothus lunatus)
Pederson cleaner shrimp (Ancylomenes pedersoni)
Red cushion sea star (Oreaster reticulatus)
Spanish hogfish (Bodianus rufus)
Yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus)
Dive centers
'Les Ilets' dive center
Noa dive center
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.
