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A review of the biology, ecology, behavior and conservation status of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe 1834)

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Abstract

The dusky grouper is a large-bodied marine species usually associated with rocky substrates and reefs currently experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressures. Here, we critically evaluate studies conducted during the last few decades on this endangered species, focusing on its biology, ecology, behavior, stock structure and fisheries, and identify future research directions to fill current knowledge gaps. This species plays an important functional role in the rocky bottom habitats in which it lives, usually occupying the highest trophic levels and with the potential role as a keystone species in some ecosystems. It has a complex life cycle characterized by a high longevity, a slow growth rate and a monandric protogynous hermaphroditic mode of reproduction. The species also exhibits spawning aggregation behavior, which makes it more vulnerable to fishing activity. Aside from its ecological importance, this species has high commercial value for professional fishers and is also highly prized by recreational spearfishers. These biological features, associated with increasing fishing pressures throughout most of its geographical distribution, have led to Epinephelus marginatus being included since 2004 in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Endangered. Despite a large amount of research being conducted on this species over the last five decades or so, using a number of different tools and techniques, key questions regarding its biology still remain unanswered. In terms of conservation and management plans designed to safeguard this endangered species, we identified the crucial need to improve fisheries landing statistics for the species and to increase the number of marine protected areas within its distribution beyond the Mediterranean Sea.

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(compiled from FAO 2015 database)

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(compiled from FAO 2015 database)

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Notes

  1. Based on evidence provided by more recent molecular and previous morphological studies, Smith and Craig (2007) recommended taxonomic changes to the family Serranidae (sensu Nelson 2006) because it was a polyphyletic group. They proposed that the groupers (Subfamily: Epinephelinae) should be separated from the Anthiinae and Serraninae Subfamilies. These two latter subfamilies were considered as a new Serranidae Family, as they comprised a monophyletic group, whereas the previous Subfamily Epinephelinae was elevated to full family status as the Epinephelidae. These two reset families (Epinephelidae and Serranidae) include approximately 160+ and 245 species, respectively.

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Acknowledgements

We are thankful to João P. Vieira, Eduardo Secchi and Felipe Dumont for comments on an early draft of the manuscript, Débora Troca for the map and Áthila Bertoncini for the dusky grouper image. The KAOSA ONG for support. This study received financial support from the CAPES-Brasil (PVE NºA101/2013), Fundação O Boticário de Proteção a Natureza (0962_20122) and PADI Foundation Grant Application (21667), Spanish Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness (CGL2013-49039-R) and Fundación Séneca (19516/PI/14). MVC and AMG acknowledge fellowship support from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq: 140570/2013-6 and 305888/2012-9, respectively).

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  1. Laboratory of Ichthyology, Institute of Oceanography, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Itália Km 8, Carreiros, Rio Grande, RS, 96.201-900, Brazil

    Mario Vinicius Condini & Alexandre Miranda Garcia

  2. Laboratory of Ichthyology, Biology Department, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, 44.036-900, Brazil

    Mario Vinicius Condini

  3. Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain

    José Antonio García-Charton

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  1. Mario Vinicius Condini
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Correspondence to Mario Vinicius Condini.

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Condini, M.V., García-Charton, J.A. & Garcia, A.M. A review of the biology, ecology, behavior and conservation status of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe 1834). Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 28, 301–330 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-017-9502-1

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