Fin's Fish Guide
The Snowy grouper (Hyporthodus niphobles) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 48 cm.
Description
The star-studded grouper is a large grouper of the family Serranidae from the eastern Pacific. The species has a robust, dark body studded with numerous small white spots, like stars, to which the name refers. It lives on rocky reefs and soft bottoms, sometimes at considerable depth; in the central Gulf of California it is often taken as bycatch in shrimp nets. As an ambush hunter it catches fishes and crustaceans. The species is too rare to be of commercial fishing interest and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Snowy grouper?
The Snowy grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Dark body with numerous white 'star' spots; protogynous hermaphrodite.
Where does the Snowy grouper live?
The Snowy grouper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; rocky reefs and soft bottoms.
How big does the Snowy grouper get?
The Snowy grouper grows to a maximum of about 48 cm.
Is the Snowy grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Snowy grouper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Snowy grouper edible?
The Snowy grouper is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Snowy grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Snowy grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hyporthodus
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Snowy grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Snowy grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone