Fin's Fish Guide
The Dogtooth grouper (Epinephelus caninus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 164 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, near rocky bottoms of the deeper continental shelf.
Description
The dogtooth grouper is a large grouper of the family Serranidae reaching about 1.6 metres. The sturdy, grey-brown body has conspicuously large, dog-like canine teeth at the front of the mouth - hence the name - and a rounded tail; young fish often have a purplish tinge. Like many groupers it is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females and later become males. The species lives near rocky bottoms of the deeper continental shelf in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. As an ambush predator it takes fish, squid and crustaceans. It is a valued commercial and sport fish; the IUCN has too little data to assess the stock (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dogtooth grouper?
The Dogtooth grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, grey-brown grouper with strikingly large canine teeth at the front of the mouth and, in young fish, a purplish tinge.
Where does the Dogtooth grouper live?
The Dogtooth grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, near rocky bottoms of the deeper continental shelf.
How big does the Dogtooth grouper get?
The Dogtooth grouper grows to a maximum of about 164 cm.
Is the Dogtooth grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Dogtooth grouper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dogtooth grouper edible?
Yes, the Dogtooth grouper is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Dogtooth grouper and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Epinephelus
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Dogtooth grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dogtooth grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.