Striped Grouper

A small but striking grouper with a series of dark reddish-brown vertical bars on a pale body. Common on reef structures throughout the UAE. Known locally as Bortam, it is a frequent catch for reef anglers.

Species Stats

Diet

Fish, crustaceans

Habitat

Coral reefs and rocky areas

Local Name (Arabic)

بورتام

Fun Facts

• 1

  Known as the Blacktip Grouper in some regions for its dark fin tips.

• 2

  Despite its small size it is an aggressive ambush predator on the reef.

• 3

  Colour can vary significantly between individuals depending on mood and environment.

Found In