Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth grouper (Dermatolepis striolata) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 85 cm.
Africa: Comoros, Mayotte, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique and others
Description
The smooth grouper is a large grouper (Epinephelidae) from coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean and southeast Atlantic. The species grows to about 85 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, grey-brown body with irregular pale markings and a smooth skin. As a bottom-oriented predator it shelters around rocky reefs and wrecks and seizes fish and crustaceans. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth grouper?
The Smooth grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the Smooth grouper live?
The Smooth grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Comoros, Mayotte, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique and others
How big does the Smooth grouper get?
The Smooth grouper grows to a maximum of about 85 cm.
Is the Smooth grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth 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 Smooth grouper edible?
The Smooth grouper is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dermatolepis
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.