Species profile
Graysby
Cephalopholis cruentata
At a glance
Graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 186 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, Alabama, and Texas the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Recognized by four distinctive dark spots at the base of the dorsal fin.
- A small grouper that rarely exceeds 13 inches in length.
- A protogynous hermaphrodite — larger individuals are typically males that were once females.
- Inhabits coral reefs across the Caribbean and Florida at depths typically under 60 feet.
- Feeds on small fish and crustaceans, ambushing prey from reef crevices.
Where Graysby are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Graysby
Background
The graysby, Cephalopholis cruentata, is a grouper in the Serranidae family from the Western Atlantic. It is found from North Carolina to southern Florida (USA), Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Its typical size is 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in) in length, with a maximum size of 42 cm (16.5 in).
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Graysby article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.