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Who?
Family: Serranidae
Species: Cephalopholis cruentata
Species ID: S.CC
Description: A stocky fish with rounded fins (1) and a large mouth with obvious lips (2). Graysbys are light brown to grey in colour with many small brown or red spots (3), with three to five spots along the base of the dorsal fin (4). These spots are usually black during the day, but may become white at night. Sexes appear similar. Juveniles resemble adults but are often darker in colour and may have a white line running down the snout
Maximum Size: 40 cm (16 in)
Longevity: Approximately 12 years
Status: Not currently on the IUCN endangered species list
Graysby & People: An important species for local fisheries across the Caribbean. Often caught in fish traps, by hook and line and spearfishing
Where?
Geographical Range: Found throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico; north to the Carolinas and south to Brazil
Coral Reef Zone: Found in the back reef, fore reef and drop-off zones
Favourite Habitat: Graysbys are found in reef areas that contain caves, crevices, or hollow sponges where they hide during the day. Juvenile graysbys are often found in slightly deeper water than adults
Depth Range: 2–170 m (7– 561 ft)
A Day in the Life:
Dawn: Graysby activity declines after a busy night on the reef
Day: Graysbys rarely move more than a few metres. They are often found resting in sponges or in reef cracks and crevices
Dusk: Graysby activity increases
Night: Graysbys are most active during the night, patrolling large areas of the reef in
repeated circuits
Who Eats Who
This species is a coral reef carnivore that consumes almost any organism that can fit in its mouth. Graysbys eat fishes such as chromis, squirrelfishes and gobies, as well as crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. They have also been known to eat smaller groupers, such as coneys and even other graysbys. Graysbys are consumed only by larger reef carnivores, such as barracuda and sharks.
Scuba Diver & Snorkeler Best Practices
Participate in environmental initiatives. Participate in underwater cleanup projects and public education efforts whenever possible. These initiatives make a huge difference to the coral reef, and help spread word of eco-snorkeling best practices.
