Warsaw Grouper (Epinephelus nigritus)

Warsaw grouper: Photo credit National Marine Sanctuary

 

Key Information

The Warsaw grouper was identified as a Candidate Species on July 14, 1997 (62 FR 37560) and transferred to the Species of Concern List on April 15, 2004 (69 FR 19975).

Brief Species Description

Warsaw grouper are classified as deep-water groupers since they inhabit reefs on the continental shelf break in waters 180 to 1700 feet (55 to 525 m) deep.  They are characterized by an elongated second spine in the dorsal fin, the rear margin of the caudal fin is convex or truncate with rounded corners, and their pelvic fins are longer than the pectoral fins.  They are the only grouper with 10 dorsal spines.  Their coloring consists of a dark reddish brown or brownish grey to almost black in color dorsally and dull reddish grey below.  Juveniles have a yellow caudal fin and a few randomly scattered whitish spots on the body.  Adults are usually found on rough rocky bottoms and juveniles are occasionally seen on jetties and shallow-water reefs.  Very little information is available about the reproduction of the Warsaw grouper; eggs and larvae are presumed to be pelagic. They spawn during August through September in the Gulf of Mexico (SAFMC 2005).  Maximum size is about 7.7 feet (235 cm) and about 440 pounds (200 kg).  Diet items include crabs, shrimps, and fishes.

Status Information

Notice of 90-day finding on the petition to list the Warsaw grouper as Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act (75 FR 59690)

On March 3, 2010, WildEarth Guardians petitioned NMFS to list Warsaw grouper under the Endangered Species Act and designate critical habitat for the species. 

Research Underway

The SOC internal grant program recently funded a project to gather basic life history data regarding growth and reproduction that is necessary for conservation of this species.

Area of Concern / SOC Range

Western Atlantic: South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

Warsaw Grouper SOC Range Map

Supplementary Information

the National Marine Fishery Service established 8 marine protected areas in 2009 to conserve 529 nautical square miles of area for deepwater species including Warsaw grouper.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. 2005. Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report for the snapper grouper fishery of the south Atlantic.

The Southeast Fishery Management Council: Regulation by Species

Species Profile: FishBase.org

 

Species Factsheet

• Detailed (Pending Update)

• Highlight (Pending Update)

Conservation Designations

International Union for Conservation of Nature: Critically Endangered

American Fisheries Society: Endangered