Red Hind

Red Hind
Name: Red Hind
Scientific Name: Epinephelus guttatus
Family: Groupers
Taxonomic: Epinephelidae
ID Group: Groupers, Sea Basses, Basslets
Size: 10 - 15 in.
Depth Range: On the reef (10 – 60 ft.)
Sightings: Seen often

The Red Hind has a light olive body covered in reddish-brown spots. The tail and the fins toward the rear of the body have distinct black edges bordered by a thin white or bluish line. It can alter its coloration, sometimes appearing faded at night.

The Red Hind can be seen alone on the reef and in shallow rocky areas, where it defends its territory. It feeds on small fish, small crustaceans, octopuses, and other invertebrates. It is born female, and some later change into males as they grow. It can live for more than 20 years and is vulnerable to overfishing because it gathers in large, predictable spawning groups at the same reef sites each year.