Groupers are widely distributed in warm seas and are often dully coloured in greens or browns, but a number are brighter, more boldly patterned fishes. Some, such as the Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), are noted for their ability to change from one to any of a number of other colour patterns. Also, in many species, such as the black and yellowfin groupers individuals inhabiting deeper waters are much redder than those living near shore. Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites; that is, they first function as females and later transform into males. They are prime food fishes and also provide sport for anglers and spearfishers.
Grouper has a mild taste. Freshly caught grouper also has a faint sweetness to it, much like a monkfish or a flounder. Between a red and a black grouper, the former is slightly sweeter than the latter.
