Fin's Fish Guide
The Garrupa (Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 76 cm.
Description
The whitespotted grouper is a grouper (Serranidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a robust, dark-brown body strewn with numerous small white-blue spots. It inhabits rocky and coral-rich parts of deep lagoons, channels and outer reef slopes and often stays in or near caves. As a predator it takes fishes and crustaceans. Like many groupers it is protogynous. Harmless to handle, but large animals may contain ciguatera toxin.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Garrupa?
The Garrupa has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Studded with small white-blue spots; protogynous cave-dwelling grouper, ciguatera risk.
Where does the Garrupa live?
The Garrupa lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; rocky and coral-rich reef sections.
How big does the Garrupa get?
The Garrupa grows to a maximum of about 76 cm.
Is the Garrupa dangerous to humans?
No, the Garrupa is harmless to humans. Harmless to handle, but large individuals from reef areas can accumulate ciguatera toxin in the flesh; do not eat large animals from risk areas. Seek medical care for gastrointestinal symptoms and tingling after consumption.
Is the Garrupa edible?
Yes, the Garrupa is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Garrupa?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Garrupa is one of 12,519 species in the app.