Preferred Environments
The red grouper ( Epinephelus morio) exhibits a complex habitat and distribution pattern influenced by water temperature, depth, and substrate type.
• Preferred Environments: Red groupers are primarily found in shallow to moderate depths of the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.
They prefer rocky reefs, coral reefs, wrecks, and artificial reefs. Optimal water temperatures range from 21-28°C (70-82°F). They occupy habitats ranging from 1 to 150 meters (3 to 492 feet) deep, although they are most commonly found in depths less than 30 meters (98 feet).
They prefer areas with complex structures offering shelter and ambush opportunities for hunting.
• Preferred Environments: Red groupers are primarily found in shallow to moderate depths of the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.
They prefer rocky reefs, coral reefs, wrecks, and artificial reefs. Optimal water temperatures range from 21-28°C (70-82°F). They occupy habitats ranging from 1 to 150 meters (3 to 492 feet) deep, although they are most commonly found in depths less than 30 meters (98 feet).
They prefer areas with complex structures offering shelter and ambush opportunities for hunting.
Geographic Range
Red groupers have a broad geographic range, spanning from North Carolina in the USA, south along the coast of Florida, through the Gulf of Mexico, and down the Caribbean coast to Brazil.
They are also found in the Bahamas and Bermuda. This distribution covers an approximate latitudinal range of approximately 25°N to 20°S, and a longitudinal range covering the western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.
Specific local densities can vary significantly depending on habitat quality and environmental conditions.
They are also found in the Bahamas and Bermuda. This distribution covers an approximate latitudinal range of approximately 25°N to 20°S, and a longitudinal range covering the western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.
Specific local densities can vary significantly depending on habitat quality and environmental conditions.
Seasonal Migration Patterns
While not exhibiting large-scale migrations like some other fish species, red grouper show some degree of seasonal movement, particularly related to spawning and temperature changes.
During warmer months (typically spring and summer), they tend to occupy shallower waters for feeding and spawning aggregations, sometimes moving to slightly deeper waters during colder periods (fall and winter) to seek more stable water temperatures.
The extent and specifics of these movements can vary regionally and are influenced by local environmental factors. These seasonal shifts are usually within a relatively localized area, rather than long-distance migrations.
There is ongoing research to fully understand the subtle seasonal variations in their movements.
During warmer months (typically spring and summer), they tend to occupy shallower waters for feeding and spawning aggregations, sometimes moving to slightly deeper waters during colder periods (fall and winter) to seek more stable water temperatures.
The extent and specifics of these movements can vary regionally and are influenced by local environmental factors. These seasonal shifts are usually within a relatively localized area, rather than long-distance migrations.
There is ongoing research to fully understand the subtle seasonal variations in their movements.
