Groupers / Gådao
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Groupers / Gådao
Epinephelus spp.
Gådao are robust-bodied, large-mouthed predators of fishes and invertebrates. They are highly valued foodfishes caught by bottomfishing or spearfishing. There are at least 29 kinds of gådao in Guam's waters. They inhabit a variety of reef habitats ranging from shallow reef flats to depths of over 800 feet (244 m). They are aggressive predators that are among the first to take a baited hook. This aggresiveness also makes them vulnerable to overfishing, and large kinds of gådao that take a long time to mature are no longer common around Guam. The smaller kinds grow fast and get a chance to reproduce before getting caught, so they remain common.
Images from Coral Reefs CD
Gådao are sequential hermaphrodites, that is, they start out as females,
then later change sex to become males. The marbled grouper is typical of
many of the medium to large kinds. Its cryptic color of blotches and spots
makes it very difficult to see as it stalks prey or sits and waits for prey
to come its way. It inhabits waters of deep lagoons and the outer reef slope
from below the surge zone to at least 150 feet (46 m) and reaches a size of
29 inches (73 cm).
The black-tipped grouper is the most commonly caught grouper by
bottomfishing. It is a small species that reaches a length of about 14
inches (35 cm) and lives on the outer reef slope at depths of about 33 to
525 feet (10 to 160 m). The honeycomb grouper is a small species that
reaches a length of 11 inches (28 cm). It is quite common on reef flats but
also inhabits outer reef waters to a depth of 165 feet (50 m).
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
