Fin's Fish Guide
The Hawaiian grouper (Hyporthodus quernus) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 122 cm.
Description
The Hawaiian grouper is a large grouper (Epinephelidae) from deeper reef water around Hawaii in the central Pacific. The species grows to about 1 metre and has a robust, dark-brown body with fine pale spots and a large mouth. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it shelters among deeper rocks and coral and engulfs fish, crustaceans and squid with a sudden suction strike. It is a valued, slow-growing food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hawaiian grouper?
The Hawaiian grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Slow-growing, long-lived endemic grouper of Hawaii; sensitive to overfishing.
Where does the Hawaiian grouper live?
The Hawaiian grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Endemic around the Hawaiian Islands; deeper water.
How big does the Hawaiian grouper get?
The Hawaiian grouper grows to a maximum of about 122 cm.
Is the Hawaiian grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Hawaiian grouper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Hawaiian grouper edible?
Yes, the Hawaiian grouper is commonly eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Hawaiian grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hawaiian grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hyporthodus
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Hawaiian grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hawaiian grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.