Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Credits: 
Carlos Freitas

Dusky groupers are large fish inhabitants of rocky areas. They are very vulnerable because of their slow growth, low reproductive rate and reckless behaviour towards divers and spear fisherman. All Dusky groupers are born females reaching a sexually maturation after 5 years. When they reach 10 years, they change sex and become males. In Berlengas Archipelago, Dusky groupers are especially common in Farilhões Islets. It is a protected species in Portugal, being its capture prohibited.