What Species Of Groupers Can Be Found In Roatan?

Did you know that there are approximately 150 different kinds of groupers in the world? Of those 150, 37 species have been found spawning in the Caribbean – including the Bay Islands! Among the most common groupers found in these waters are the:

General Facts About Groupers

Groupers are opportunistic predators, consuming a diverse array of prey including fish, crustaceans, octopus, and squid. Utilizing their large mouths and powerful gill muscles, they employ a suction feeding method to capture their food, with some species employing ambush tactics while others actively hunt their prey.

Remarkably, groupers are mostly monandric protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born and mature as females before transitioning to males for reproduction. While some species, like the Black Grouper, are relatively easy to spot, others, such as the elusive Goliath Grouper, may require more effort to locate in the wild.

With a potential lifespan of up to 50 years or more, groupers are among the long-lived inhabitants of the ocean, adding to the allure and intrigue of encountering these majestic creatures during diving expeditions in the Bay Islands.

Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus)

The Nassau Grouper stands out as one of the most recognizable members of its species, thanks to its distinctive pattern and body coloration. This grouper species exhibits a fascinating ability to change its coloration, ranging from tawny hues for those inhabiting shallow waters to pinkish, red, or even orange-red tones for those dwelling in deeper ocean realms. However, despite its striking appearance, the Nassau Grouper faces significant threats due to overfishing and habitat degradation, leading to its classification as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Remarkably, Nassau Groupers boast a considerable lifespan, with individuals capable of living up to 29 years. They typically inhabit offshore rocky reefs and drop-offs, where they can be found amidst the rich marine ecosystem. Juvenile Nassau Groupers, on the other hand, are commonly sighted in shallow waters among nearshore reefs, where they seek refuge and resources essential for their growth and development.

Maximum Size: 3.5 ft (100 cm)
Maximum Weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
Depth Range: 20 to 426 ft (6 to 130 mt)

Tiger Grouper (Mycteroperca tigris)

The Tiger Grouper is characterized by its robust, elongated body, typically adorned with reddish hues and numerous vertical stripes – sometimes accompanied by darker lines along the sides. Juvenile individuals often exhibit a vibrant yellow coloration. As a solitary hunter, the Tiger Grouper employs ambush tactics, concealing itself among coral formations and sponges while preying primarily on fish.

With a lifespan of up to 30 years, the Tiger Grouper thrives in coral reefs and rocky habitats, where it can be readily encountered. These groupers also possess the ability to undergo striking color changes, ranging from pale to dark and bright red, particularly when frequenting cleaning stations.

Maximum Size: 3.5 ft (100 cm)
Maximum Weight: 57 lbs (26 kg)
Depth Range: 3 to 200 ft (1 to 60 mt)

Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci)

Black Groupers are one of the Caribbean’s most prevalent grouper species. They can be identified by their olive, grey, or brown body and are adorned with irregular and rectangular black blotches. Solitary in nature, they can be found spawning between May and August, and boast an impressive lifespan of up to 40 years. While adults primarily prey on fish and squid, juveniles predominantly feed on crustaceans.

Typically inhabiting offshore deep waters with rocky bottoms or wall drop-offs, Black Groupers are commonly encountered! Adults exhibit a preference for dwelling near wrecks, while juveniles often seek refuge in shallow waters closer to shore.

Maximum Size: 5 ft (150 cm)
Maximum Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Depth Range: 20 to 110 ft (6 to 33 mt)

Red Hind (Epinephelus guttatus)

The Red Hind, also known as the Speckled Hind, possesses a strong body that is often white and tinged with red spots. Its distinguishing features include a black-edged tail adorned with a thin white border. Unlike the Rock Hind, the Red Hind lacks spots on its tail or dorsal fin. Regrettably, their delightful taste has led to overfishing in many regions.

With a lifespan of approximately 17 years, the solitary Red Hind can be found in shallow reefs and rocky sea beds, often fiercely guarding its territory.

Maximum Size: 30 in (76 cm)
Maximum Weight: 49 lbs (22 kg)
Depth Range: 10 to 160 ft (3 to 50 mt)

Rock Hind (Epinephelus adscensionis)

The Rock Hind, resembling its cousin the Red Hind, boasts a sturdy, compressed body with a tan hue and reddish spots. Unlike the Red Hind, however, the Rock Hind lacks a black tail edge. Both species share the unique ability to twist and turn their eyes in their sockets.

Less elusive than its counterpart, the Rock Hind is easily approached and often found inhabiting rocky reefs. Typically solitary in nature, it sustains itself by preying on crabs and fish. With a lifespan of up to 30 years, the Rock Hind serves as an integral component of its marine ecosystem.

Maximum Size: 2 ft (65 cm)
Maximum Weight: 19 lbs (9 kg)
Depth Range: 3 to 400 ft (1 to 120 mt)

Graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata)

The Graysby is the smallest grouper species found in the waters of the Bay Islands. It boasts a compact yet robust body, displaying hues ranging from light reddish to brown or gray, and is adorned with darker orangish spots. They are ultimately distinguished by three to five dark spots along the base of their dorsal fin.

Operating primarily as a nocturnal predator, adults primarily prey on small fish, while juveniles have a penchant for shrimps. Solitary and inherently secretive, Graysbys can be found in seagrass beds; though they are quick to seek refuge in hiding places. Akin to their small size, their lifespan of 13 years is comparatively short to other grouper species.

Puerta Azul Roatan Grouper Species Graysby

Maximum Size:15 in (40 cm)
Maximum Weight: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Depth Range: 10 to 89 ft (3 to 27 mt)

Yellowfin Grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa)

The Yellowfin Grouper has a compact body adorned with two distinct color morphs: a greenish-gray hue for those inhabiting shallow waters, and a vibrant red tone for individuals dwelling in deeper ocean realms. Regardless of coloration, the entire body is embellished with oval clusters of dark spots. Notably, the Yellowfin Grouper derives its name from its distinctive bright yellow pectoral fins.

Feeding primarily on coral reef fishes and squids, the Yellowfin Grouper is commonly found inhabiting rocky and coral reefs. Juveniles exhibit a preference for shallow turtle grass beds, where they find shelter and resources essential for their growth and development, which can span up to 37 years.

Puerta Azul Roatan Grouper Species Yellowfin

Maximum Size: 3 ft (100 cm)
Maximum Weight: 39 lbs (18 kg)
Depth Range: 10 to 120 ft (3 to 37 mt)

Yellowmouth Grouper (Mycteroperca interstitialis)

The Yellowmouth Grouper, known by various aliases such as Crossband Rockfish, Grey Mannock, Hamlet, and Salmon Grouper, is a formidable and sizable species characterized by the yellow hue encircling its mouth. Its body features rusty brown stripes on the sides, adorned with occasional yellow markings, complemented by a white underbelly.

With an impressive lifespan of up to 45 years, Yellowmouth Groupers typically inhabit rocky bottoms and coral beds, preferring depths of around 80 feet. While they may occasionally venture into shallower waters, their primary habitat remains in the depths, where they play an integral role in marine ecosystems.

Puerta Azul Roatan Grouper Species Yellowmouth

Maximum Size: 30 in (70cm)
Maximum Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
Depth Range: 10 to 80 ft (3 to 25 mt)

Coney (Epinephelus fulvus)

The Coney grouper exhibits three distinct color variations: a reddish-brown variety found in deep waters, a bicolored orange and light brown variety inhabiting shallow waters, and a yellow variety present across various depth ranges. However, the reddish-brown variant is the most prevalent. Notably, all three varieties share two prominent dark spots and a pair of black blotches on the tip of the lower jaw.

Preferring coral reefs and clear waters, the Coney grouper is known for its territorial behavior, particularly among males. Their diet primarily consists of small fish and crustaceans, and they can expect to live around 25 years.

Puerta Azul Roatan Grouper Species Coney

Maximum Size: 17 in (44 cm)
Maximum Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
Depth Range: 3 to 230 ft (1 to 70 mt)

Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)

The Goliath Grouper holds the title as the largest member of the grouper family, boasting a formidable and robust physique. Typically mottled in shades of yellow-brown to grey, adorned with darker stripes and spots, this solitary fish commands its territory with authority. When threatened, it exhibits aggressive body language and emits a rumbling sound from its swim bladder.

Rarely encountered, Goliath Groupers inhabit rocky coral and muddy inshore habitats. Their voracious appetite knows no bounds, as they consume a wide variety of prey including crustaceans, fish, stingrays, young sea turtles, and even small sharks. With an impressive lifespan of up to 50 years, these majestic creatures play a crucial role in their ecosystem.

Puerta Azul Roatan Grouper Species Goliath

Maximum Size: 8.2 ft (2.5 mt)
Maximum Weight: 800 lbs (363 kg)
Depth Range: 16 to 500 ft (5 to 150mt)