Grouper are an essential species on the reef systems not only in Cayman waters but all over the world. They are a main predator near the top of the food chain and help control the populations of smaller reef fish, as well as add diversity to the reef.
Unfortunately they are also a tasty fish and in high demand for human taste buds. This high demand has lead to populations of grouper, especially Nassau Grouper, to dramatically decline in the last 10 years. As a diver here in the waters of Grand Cayman it is very rare to see a mature Nassau on the reef. If one is seen it is usually a juvenile.
How can we help the Grouper?? DON'T EAT THEM!! Or specifically ask the restaurant if it is really grouper. Most of the time it will be Swai Fish, a freshwater farmed fish that has a similar white flaky mild taste. They call it grouper since people want to try the local dishes. They do this also because the dwindling populations of grouper are just not available to meet the demands of the public, there is just not enough to go around.
A great guide to help you make smart seafood choices is the Cayman Sea Sense guide, or you can go online and check out the Monterey Bay Seafood Guide, which is what the Cayman guide is based on.
These photos are of a Nassau Grouper of pretty decent size. I saw this guy on the reef a few weeks ago and was so elated because I have not seen one this size in Grand Cayman in years.
This is a Yellow Mouth Grouper. He obviously got his name for the outrageous yellow lipstick he wears! These grouper so not very common at all. I have only seen a handful in all my days of diving.
This is a Tiger Grouper and seen fairly often on the reef.
The below photo is a Coney Grouper. These guys are quite a bit smaller than the above species of grouper, and are commonly seen on the reef.
Interested in seeing these fish on the beautiful reefs of Cayman? Stay at Silver Sands and dive with DNS!
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