Body Shape:
- Most groupers have a robust, laterally compressed body with a robust head.
- Some species, like the Goliath grouper, can reach massive sizes, making them one of the largest bony fishes.
Head:
- Groupers have a large head relative to their body.
- The head features strong jaws with canine-like teeth, equipped for grasping and crushing prey.
- Most groupers have sensory pores distributed on their head, aiding in detecting prey and their environment.
Eyes:
- Groupers have prominent eyes that usually face towards the front, providing them with binocular vision.
- The positioning of their eyes allows for precise depth perception and aiming when capturing prey.
Mouth:
- Groupers have a protruding mouth with thick, fleshy lips.
- Some groupers have additional fleshy folds around their lips, which help them create a suction effect while feeding.
Coloration:
- Groupers exhibit diverse coloration, often consisting of various shades of brown, gray, or greenish-blue.
- Some species like the Nassau Grouper have bright yellow, orange, or reddish hues, while others have complex patterns and markings.
- Coloration can vary based on age, location, and habitat, serving as camouflage or signaling purposes.
Fins:
- Groupers typically have spinous dorsal fins with soft, flexible rays towards the rear of the fin.
- They possess pelvic fins located beneath their pectoral fins, which can be well-developed or rudimentary in different species.
- The caudal fin, or tail fin, varies among grouper species. Some have rounded tails, while others have truncated or forked tails.
Scales:
- Groupers have rough and robust scales that cover their bodies, making their skin feel sandpaper-like.
- In most cases, the scales are firmly embedded, without ctenii or ornamentation, providing protection against various external stressors.
These are some of the prominent external features commonly found in groupers, although variations may occur among different species within the grouper family.