Dusky grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Sighting evidence at Uluburun Wreck Area, Kaş
Photo: Billy Bensted-Smith · CC BY-NC
Dusky grouper are protogynous hermaphrodites: all individuals begin life as females and the largest, dominant individuals transition to male. They are a keystone predator on Mediterranean reefs, controlling populations of wrasse, damselfish, and octopus. Decades of spearfishing pressure pushed them to near extinction in many areas; Kaş marine protected areas have helped local populations recover noticeably since 2010.
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.