Fin's Fish Guide
The Colorado grouper (Mycteroperca olfax) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Description
The sailfin grouper is a large grouper (Serranidae) endemic to the Galapagos Islands and the coast of Ecuador in the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 120 cm and has a robust, grey-brown body that can change colour and pattern. As a bottom-oriented reef predator it lives around rocky reefs to about seventy metres and hunts fish and crustaceans. It is an important and heavily fished food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Colorado grouper?
The Colorado grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Variable colour pattern; heavily fished Galapagos grouper
Where does the Colorado grouper live?
The Colorado grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Colorado grouper get?
The Colorado grouper grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.
Is the Colorado grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Colorado grouper is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Colorado grouper edible?
Yes, the Colorado grouper is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mycteroperca
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Colorado grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Colorado grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.