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A large, heavy-bodied grouper mottled brown with scattered dark blotches and fine spots, found from shallow reefs to deeper rocky bottoms. A solitary ambush predator that grows to well over a metre and is a major commercial catch.
Reefs, rocky bottoms, mangrove edges and sandy lagoons, often near structure
over reef edges and rocky ground, slack to moderate current
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Heavy outfit, short strong and a locked — lift it off the bottom fast or it reefs you.
A live baitfish or a whole squid fished hard on the in low light is the classic grouper bait.
Eating & safety
Mind the stout gill-cover and fin spines, and avoid eating very large reef-caught individuals.
Stung or poisoned? First-aid steps →Best conditions: Bottom fishing over reef edges and rocky ground, slack to moderate current
Like most groupers it begins life as a female and can later change sex to male.