GRAYSBY (GROUPER): BAHAMAS REEF FISH (42)
The Graysby Cephalopholis cruentata is a small, spotty grouper, which grows to a maximum of around 16 inches. These rather unassuming and solitary fish have a preference for coral reefs, where they can blend in with their surroundings on ledges and in caves and crevices during the day. At night, they become active – that’s when they feed on feed on small fish, crabs and shrimps.
The graysby has variable colouring in a range from light brown to pale gray, with all-over spots that may be red, orange or brownish. Often, they have 3 to 5 contrasting spots on their backs, along the base of the dorsal fin, as below:
The long erectile dorsal fin comprises both spines and ‘rays’ – spines at the front, rays at the back. Like this:
The spots of a graysby can change in colour (at least to a limited extent), becoming either paler or darker. I imagine this is a protective feature to enable the fish to blend in more easily with its reef surroundings.
Signalling to turn right…
I wondered if they are edible. I believe so – but then I also read that the larger adults carry the risk of ciguatera and raised mercury levels. So I’ll give it a miss thanks.
Photo & other credits: all photographs by Melinda Riger / Grand Bahama Scuba; aqua.org; SAMFC (drawing)
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
Fantastic grouper photos from Melinda, and I enjoyed this informative post a lot, RH. I will never ever tire of her photos.
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Totally agree about M’s amazing photos. What would I do without them? (A. No reef fish) RH
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