Scientific Name: Epinephelus striatus

Description: The Nassau grouper boasts a robust and muscular body, with a prominent mouth equipped with strong jaws and several rows of sharp teeth. Its coloration is highly variable, ranging from reddish-brown to grayish-brown, often adorned with irregular dark blotches or mottling that help it blend in with its surroundings. The Nassau grouper also features distinctive markings, including a dark stripe running diagonally across its face and a series of dark bars or stripes along its body. Adult Nassau groupers can reach impressive sizes, with lengths of up to 3 feet (1 meter) or more, and weights exceeding 55 pounds (25 kilograms).

Habitat: The Nassau grouper inhabits a variety of marine habitats in the warm, tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, including coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass beds. It is commonly found in shallow coastal waters to depths of around 330 feet (100 meters) or more, often seeking refuge in caves, crevices, and other natural shelters during the day and venturing out to forage for food at night. They are opportunistic predators, feeding on a diverse diet that includes small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, which they capture using ambush predation tactics and their powerful jaws.

Behavior: These intelligent and inquisitive fish may approach divers with interest, especially if they are accustomed to human presence or associate divers with the availability of food. However, they are also sensitive to sudden movements and disturbances and may quickly retreat into the safety of nearby shelters if they feel threatened or startled.