Nassau grouper  (Epinephelus striatus)

Description

The Nassau grouper is one of the larger reef fish and one that has suffered a dramatic decline during the 20th Century, primarily as a result of overfishing (3). These large groupers have a robust, oblong body; the background colour varies from light buff to pinkish red, depending on depth (4). There are five vertical brown bars, a brown saddle near the base of the tail and distinctive facial markings (5). Individuals are capable of altering their colour pattern to resemble that of the surrounding environment or as a means of communication (4).

left