Dusky grouper

Photo: kmmorri8 · © all rights reserved

The dusky grouper is the dominant large predator on Azorean rocky reefs, capable of exceeding 60 kg and living for over 50 years. As a protogynous hermaphrodite that begins life female before transitioning to male, large individuals are all males — making size-selective fishing particularly damaging. The Azores' partially protected reefs support some of the largest individuals remaining in European waters. They are bold, inquisitive fish that often approach divers at Monte da Guia's crater walls.