FamilySerranidaeAlso known asDusky Perch, Mérou BrunDescriptionA large, robust grouper with mottled brown and greenish-white blotchy patterning and distinctive blue eyes. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite (females can become males) and is an ambush predator feeding primarily on fish, octopus, and crustaceans. This individual is seen at a cleaning station with cleaner shrimp actively removing parasites from its mouth and skin.HabitatRocky reefs and posidonia seagrass beds in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic; typically found from 1–200 m depth. Also present off southern Africa, Canary Islands, and Madeira.Conservation statusEndangeredNotesThe image is a close-up macro shot of the fish's head, showing it with mouth wide open at a cleaning station. Multiple cleaner shrimp (likely Lysmata seticaudata or similar) are visible on the lips, inside the mouth, and near the nostrils. The mottled brown and pale pattern, fleshy lips, and blue iridescent eyes are consistent with Epinephelus marginatus of the Mediterranean. Some ambiguity remains as other grouper species share similar patterning.Creatures detected6 in frame- Dusky Grouperfish
- cleaner shrimp on upper lipinvertebrate
- cleaner shrimp inside mouthinvertebrate
- cleaner shrimp on lower jawinvertebrate
- cleaner shrimp near nostrilinvertebrate
- green algae backgroundplant_algae
