ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

White Grouper

The white grouper is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Epinephelinae, part of the family Serranidae. It is endemic to Madagascar and is almost threatened with extinction due to its declining population.

This species is found in subtropical climate areas surrounding coastal and sandy bottoms of semi-salted waters, oceans, seas, bays, and lagoons at a depth of 20 to 159 meters. The water temperature ranges from 15.6 to 15.9 degrees Celsius, while the salinity levels are approximately 38 parts per thousand.

The white grouper can grow up to 1.2 meters in length and weigh up to 25 kilograms. Its distinctive feature is a convex profile between the eyes, with an angular preopercle that has three to six large spines at its angle, directed downwards. The gill cover features three to four horizontal stripes of blue or white, which can be fainter in larger adults.

In contrast, Perca robusta, also known as the white grouper, is a species of rock-dwelling lizard found in coastal lagoons and estuaries off West Africa. Its diet consists mainly of fish (58%), stomatopods (21%), crustaceans (10%), and cephalopods (10%).

The white grouper plays an essential role in the marine ecosystem, particularly for commercial fisheries worldwide. Anglers use hook-and-line fishing techniques to catch this species, highlighting its importance as a valuable target for recreational and professional anglers alike.

Historical Context

Interestingly, the Perca robusta is not directly related to the Epinephelus aeneus, despite sharing a similar name. The latter is indeed a marine ray-finned fish found in tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. Its distribution ranges from North Africa to Western Europe, whereas the white grouper's range is limited to Madagascar.

In conclusion, while both species share some similarities, they belong to distinct genera and have different habitats, diets, and ecological roles within their respective ecosystems.