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Red Grouper
(Epinephelus morio)
Epinephelus morio is the scientific name for the red grouper, a species of fish belonging to the family Serranidae, which includes groupers and sea basses. Here are some key points about Epinephelus morio:
- Appearance: Red groupers typically have a reddish-brown body with a lighter underbelly. They often have dark blotches and spots on their body.
- Size: They can grow quite large, with adults often reaching lengths of 24 to 36 inches (60 to 91 cm) and weights of up to 50 pounds (23 kg).
- Habitat: These groupers are found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer rocky or coral reefs, often inhabiting depths ranging from 10 to 200 feet (3 to 60 meters).
- Behavior: Red groupers are typically solitary and territorial, occupying crevices and caves within reefs during the day and venturing out to feed at night.
- Diet: They are carnivorous and feed primarily on crustaceans, fish, and smaller invertebrates.