Snowy Grouper

Hyporthodus niveatus

Regions

Florida

Protected status

None

Also known as

—

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC

Appearance

Compressed, oval shaped body
Juveniles are dark brown with white spots arranged in rows on the sides and back; Adults are a uniform dark brown color usually with no spots
Juveniles have a distinctive black “saddle” shaped spot at the base of the tail that extends to below the lateral line
Rear nostril 3-5 times larger than front nostril
Clear to dusky colored pectoral and tail fins with no yellow edges
Preopercle has a serrated edge; upper edge of the gill cover is notably convex
Dorsal fin has 11 spines and 13-15 soft rays; anal fin has 3 spines and 9 soft rays
Second dorsal spine not significantly longer than third spine

Habitat

Commonly found over reefs and rocky bottom habitats in waters up to 1700 feet. Juveniles can also be found in shallow, coastal waters.

Behavior

Ambush predators. Adult groupers eat other fishes, snails, cephalopods (squid, octopus and cuttlefish) and crabs.

Additional information

Sources