Greasy Grouper

The Greasy Grouper is a second Hammour species on the MOCCAE list, slightly smaller and less spotted than E. coioides. It is equally prized and often caught alongside the Orange-spotted Grouper. The "greasy" name refers to its oily, rich flesh.

Species Stats

Diet

Fish, cephalopods, crustaceans

Habitat

Coral and rocky reefs, sandy and rubble areas near reefs

Local Name (Arabic)

هامور دهني

Fun Facts

• 1

  Like all groupers, it is an ambush predator — using camouflage to blend with reef surfaces before striking.

• 2

  Has been recorded at depths up to 300 m — one of the deeper-ranging groupers in UAE waters.

• 3

  Spawning aggregations have been reported in the UAE — these gatherings make them highly vulnerable to overfishing.

Found In