Black grouper
Mycteroperca bonaci
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycteroperca_bonaci
Overview
Mycteroperca bonaci, the black grouper, black rockfish or marbled rockfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias and sea basses. Other fish are sometimes called the black grouper including the similar gag grouper, the misty grouper, and the warsaw grouper. This species is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from the northeastern United States to Brazil.
Black grouper populations face significant pressure from intensive commercial and recreational fishing throughout their range, with their slow growth rates and late sexual maturity making them particularly vulnerable to overexploitation. Habitat degradation of coral reefs and rocky bottoms, combined with their aggregating spawning behavior that makes them easy targets during reproduction, has contributed to substantial population declines across the Caribbean and western Atlantic.
Habitat
Black grouper inhabit coral reefs, rocky bottoms, and reef drop-offs in tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic, typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters. Adults prefer deeper reef areas and rocky ledges, while juveniles often utilize shallow coral reef environments and seagrass beds as nursery habitat.
Other threatened species in Serranidae
Threatened in Aruba
Frequently asked questions
Why is Black grouper classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Black grouper live?
What are the main threats to Black grouper?
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