Fish ID Friday – Nassau Grouper

Epinephelus striatus, the Nassau Grouper, is one of several types of Grouper often seen on dives in the Cayman Islands.  They are a predator fish that are not afraid of divers and have learned to feed from Lionfish killed by divers.  As such, they will often join the Snappers getting in the way of a clean kill shot and waiting for a free feed.  They have large, expressive faces and make good company on a dive.

Sadly they appear on the food chain in Cayman, “fresh catch of the day – Grouper”.  I’m told it tastes good, but do e a favour, order something farmed from the menu and save them for viewing on the dive.