Dermatolepis inermis
Tall, compressed grouper, black with large white blotches, that hides in crevices and caves on reefs and deep ledges. Rarely fished, its conservation status is Data Deficient.
Also called: garoupa-gostosa, marbled grouper, mutton hamlet
The marbled grouper (garoupa-gostosa) lives in the western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Rio de Janeiro, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. It is a reef fish that stays on ledges and deep edges, usually in caves or crevices, from 3 to 35 m, but reaches 213 m. It is solitary and shy, and darts away when startled. It reaches 91 cm and 10 kg, and FishBase gives 50 cm as the common length. It is rarely seen in markets, and FishBase points to fishing pressure as the main threat. The IUCN classifies it as Data Deficient (2018); it is not on the Brazilian national list and not on the NOM-065 grouper list in Mexico. FishBase considers it a gamefish.
Tall, strongly compressed body, black with many large white spots; the fins are also black and spotted, and the pectoral fin is large. The scales are smooth. Body depth fits 2.2 to 2.5 times into standard length. The preopercle is rounded and finely serrated. No other Atlantic grouper has this pattern of black with large white spots. Cabrillas (Mycteroperca) are much more elongated.
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Each card shows the day's index (0 to 100) and, below it, a strip with the index for each hour, from 0h to 23h. from poor to excellent.
In Brazil, FishBase gives the species down to Rio de Janeiro, on reefs and deep edges; we found no survey that says where it is most common. Outside Brazil, it ranges from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, and to the Guianas and Venezuela.
Habitat: Deep reef ledges and edges, in caves and crevices, usually from 3 to 35 m (down to 213 m).
coast
No set season, as it is a little-known tropical reef fish. There is no specific closed season in Brazil.
Any time. Lives hidden in crevices and caves; we found no data on the best time of day. When in doubt, fish at light transitions.
A tropical reef fish; cold fronts reduce its activity.
A churned sea after a cold front shuts down bottom fishing.
Effect poorly known; spring tides move more bait on the reef.
Little effect at depth.
Not applicable at sea.
Anchor and hull knocking on the reef scare fish.
Strong wind makes it hard to hold position over the spot.
Moderate current activates feeding at the reef edge.
Usually 3 to 35 m.
lures
natural baits
accessories
Hole fish: when you feel the bite next to the rock, lift quickly, or it dives into the crevice and cuts the line.
Summary of the regulations we found, with the source for each. Rules change; before keeping or transporting fish, check with the state environmental agency.
Conservation: Not on the Brazilian national list (Ministerial Ordinance GM/MMA No. 1.667/2026).
In federal waters around Puerto Rico, beyond 9 miles from the coast, the recreational angler may keep a maximum of 5 fish per day from groupers, snappers and parrotfish combined (up to 15 per boat when there are 3 or more people aboard). The limit does not apply to anyone with a commercial license from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Coming from more than 15 to 20 m, use a descender. Support the belly, wet your hands and release quickly. Because it is little known and rare, it is worth releasing the big ones.
Rarely seen in markets, according to FishBase. No reliable data on flavor or ciguatera risk; follow local health guidance.
Length-weight relationship W = a·Lb (a = 0.00955, b = 3.11; FishBase (relação peso-comprimento bayesiana, estimativa da própria espécie)). It's an average: a fat or lean fish can vary by 10% to 20%.
estimated weight
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The season weights (months), the time of day and the sensitivities (cold, pressure, moon, wind, rain, tide, strong light, murky water and noise) are the app's editorial estimates, based on the literature below and on field experience from anglers and guides. They are not official data or measurements made for this species and may vary by region and year. Closed seasons and legal rules appear in the rules section, with the rule and link. The common size and weight ranges, water temperature and typical depth are also editorial estimates, anchored in FishBase data.
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