Groupers are large, robust reef fish with stout bodies and big mouths adapted for ambush hunting. They vary in color and size, from smaller reef dwellers to giants reaching over 2 meters long. Known for their strong jaws, they can swallow prey whole. Groupers are an important part of reef ecosystems and are often targeted by fisheries.
Most groupers are solitary ambush predators, hiding in reef crevices and lunging at passing prey such as fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Many species are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing into males as they grow older.
Divers may encounter groupers resting under ledges or following them curiously. Larger groupers are impressive to see and often approach divers calmly, making them great photographic subjects.
Many grouper species are threatened by overfishing, with several listed as Vulnerable or Endangered by the IUCN.
