Groupers & sea bass

Serranidae

The heavyweights of the reef. Groupers are often the most confident fish you'll meet — large ones at cleaning stations will let you approach within arm's reach. In marine reserves, resident groupers become reliable dive buddies.

Last updated April 2026

ComberSerranus cabrilla8 photos

Least ConcernUp to 25 cm5–50mRocky reefPosidonia

A small, elongated grouper with reddish-brown body crossed by darker vertical bands. Distinguished by the blue lines on its cheeks and gill covers.

Very common on Mediterranean rocky reefs, often resting on boulders or hovering near the bottom — not shy and easy to approach.

Observed at

Baja Bocarones(El Hierro)Punta Restinga(El Hierro)

Island grouperMycteroperca fusca4 photos

VulnerableUp to 80 cm10–50mRocky reefCave

A large, dark grouper endemic to the eastern Atlantic islands — Canaries, Madeira, Azores. Dark brown to black with subtle pale blotches on the flanks.

Patrolling mid-water or resting under volcanic overhangs — less shy than other groupers in protected waters.

Observed at

Baja Rosario(El Hierro)La cueva del diablo(El Hierro)

Dusky grouperEpinephelus marginatus3 photos

VulnerableUp to 150 cm8–50mRocky reefCave

The king of the Mediterranean reef — a massive, dark olive-brown grouper with golden-yellow mottling and a broad, heavy head. Can exceed 1 meter.

Rests in caves and under ledges, often allowing close approach in marine reserves where it has learned divers are harmless.

Observed at

El desierto(El Hierro)

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