Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Sighting evidence at CEADS Naval Reserve, Paraty
Photo: Billy Bensted-Smith · CC BY-NC
CEADS hosts some of the largest and most approachable dusky grouper populations on the southeastern Brazilian coast, a direct consequence of decades without fishing pressure. These long-lived, sex-changing fish begin life as females and transition to males as they age and grow, meaning the largest individuals are always male. Their curious, almost fearless behavior around divers at CEADS stands in stark contrast to the skittish individuals found at openly fished reef sites nearby.
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.