VU

Olive Grouper

Epinephelus cifuentesi

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Olive Grouper faces severe pressure from intensive commercial and artisanal fishing throughout its range in the Eastern Pacific. As a large, slow-growing predatory fish that aggregates to spawn, it is particularly vulnerable to overfishing, with populations declining significantly due to targeted fishing pressure. The species' limited geographic range along the Pacific coast of Central and South America makes it especially susceptible to localized depletion from fishing activities.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Olive Grouper inhabits rocky reefs and coastal waters of the Eastern Pacific, typically found at depths ranging from shallow nearshore areas to approximately 100 meters. This species prefers areas with complex rocky substrates and coral formations that provide shelter and hunting grounds for its predatory lifestyle.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Serranidae

VU

White Grouper

Mycteroperca cidi

Unknown
Yellowbelly rockcodVU

Yellowbelly rockcod

Epinephelus marginatus

Unknown
Yellowfin grouperVU

Yellowfin grouper

Mycteroperca venenosa

Unknown
Black grouperVU

Black grouper

Mycteroperca bonaci

Unknown

Threatened in Colombia

VU

Styrax duidae

Declining
EN

Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum

Declining
EN

Hyloscirtus japreria

Declining
VU

Freziera golondrinensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Olive Grouper classified as Vulnerable?
Olive Grouper is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Olive Grouper faces severe pressure from intensive commercial and artisanal fishing throughout its range in the Eastern Pacific. As a large, slow-growing predatory fish that aggregates to spawn, it is particularly vulnerable to overfishing, with populations declining significantly due to targeted fishing pressure. The species' limited geographic range along the Pacific coast of Central and South America makes it especially susceptible to localized depletion from fishing activities.
Where does Olive Grouper live?
Olive Grouper occurs in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Olive Grouper?
The main threats to Olive Grouper are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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