Red hind, Sandwich grouper, Cabrilla, Tofia
Strawberry Grouper gather their name from their red coloration and whitish or lighter red/orange spots, which cover their whole body. Some of their fins will be a darker color and some can be yellow or lighter colors. Interestingly Strawberry Grouper can change the pigmentation of their coloration from lighter to darker tones to blend in with their surroundings.
Habitat & Behaviour
Strawberry Groupers can be found in water with structures such as rock outcroppings or reefs. Generally the larger the fish the deeper the water, however many do stay within coral reefs where they can blend in.
The diet of the Strawberry Grouper consists of small fish, invertebrates such as crabs or shrimp, as well as cephalopods. As this fish swallows its meals whole, it generally will only eat what it can swallow.
Reef fish like the Grouper require anglers to use dehooking tools and venting tools to safely release the fish. When releasing keep in water, remove hook with pliers or dehooker and vent accordingly if you brought it up from a deep depth. Grouper all share a set of very sharp teeth and very sharp gill plates. Put fingers gently inside gill plate (just in corner , not too far inside), pinch outside of lip with thumb – easiest way to hang onto them. Spines not known to injure.