Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Sighting evidence at Arrecife de las Sirenas, Almería
Photo: Billy Bensted-Smith · CC BY-NC
Strict enforcement of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park's no-take rules since 1987 has allowed the dusky grouper population here to recover to densities rarely seen in Mediterranean Spain, with large territorial males holding court around prominent rock outcrops from 12 metres downward. These fish show a curiosity toward divers that is immediately recognisable as the product of generations without fishing pressure — they approach rather than retreat and often follow bubbling divers between features. Scientists from the University of Almería have used individual photo-identification to confirm that the same animals have held territories for over 10 years.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Dusky Grouper is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.