see text Epinephelus is a genus of marine ray-finned fish, groupers from the subfamily Epinephelinae, part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias and sea basses.

They are predatory fish, largely associated with reefs and are found in tropical and subtropical seas throughout the world.

The fishes in the genus Epinephelus have elongate, subcylindrical bodies which may be oblong or deep and compressed in shape.

[4] Epinephelus groupers are occur mainly on coral or rocky reefs, although a small number of species have been recorded over substrates consisting of sand, silt or mud.

The two largest members of the genus, E. itajara and E. lanceolatus, either of which may attain a length in excess of 2 metres (6.6 ft) and a weight greater than 400 kilograms (880 lb) have frequently been recorded in estuaries and harbours.

[5] Epinephelus groupers are among the most valuable species exploited by commercial fishes in the world's tropical seas and they fetch some of the highest prices when marketed.