Epinephelus costae, commonly known as the white grouper, is a fish belonging to the family Serranidae. Its scientific name derives from the Greek ‘Epinephelus‘, meaning ‘overlapping‘ or ‘cloudy‘, referring to the spotted or color-changing patterns found in some members of the genus. This species is distributed in the eastern Atlantic, from the Iberian Peninsula down to the coasts of Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands. Epinephelus costae prefers rocky areas or coral reefs at depths ranging from 10 to 200 meters, though it is most commonly found between 20 and 100 meters.
This fish has a robust, elongated, and laterally compressed body that can reach up to 100 cm in length, although most specimens measure between 50 and 80 cm. Its coloration is variable but generally brown or grayish with silvery reflections and a lighter belly. Its color pattern is distinctive: a series of dark spots and oblique stripes run along the sides of the body, which may change intensity depending on mood or surroundings. Notably, juveniles tend to have a paler, almost golden color with a more pronounced spotted pattern, while adults usually have a more uniform tone. It differs from other groupers, such as Epinephelus marginatus, by its lighter coloration and a more pointed head shape.
Epinephelus costae is a carnivorous predator that mainly feeds on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. It is a solitary hunter that stalks its prey by hiding among rocks or crevices, ambushing them quickly when they approach. It uses its large, powerful mouth to capture and swallow prey whole. As a top-level predator, it plays an important role in controlling populations of fish and other invertebrates in its habitat, contributing to ecosystem balance.
The reproduction of Epinephelus costae is quite complex, as it is a protogynous hermaphrodite species. This means individuals begin life as females and, as they grow older, some transform into males. The transition from female to male occurs when they reach a specific size and age, maximizing reproductive success. The breeding season mainly takes place in summer, when females spawn in open waters. Fertilization is external, and pelagic eggs develop floating in the water column until larvae hatch and disperse with ocean currents.
An interesting fact about Epinephelus costae is its ability to change color according to its environment or emotional state, allowing it to effectively camouflage in rocky habitats, avoid predators, or stealthily approach prey. Although its meat is highly prized in Mediterranean cuisine, overfishing has led to population declines in some areas, prompting conservation measures in several countries to prevent overexploitation of this valuable species.
Photos:
from