Dusky grouper (Lat. Epinephelus marginatus). Its scietific name is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘cloudy’, a reference to the pale markings on its skin. Benthic fish common in the central and southern Adriatic, growing to 150 cm (100 kg). Exists on rocky bottom in caves and crevices up to 100 m depth. It has large head, round eyes and a protruding jaw. It lives 40-50 years and feeds on fish, crabs and cephalopod molluscs: cuttlefishes, octopi and squids. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite. They attain sexual maturity at quite a late age, females begin to breed when they are around five years of age, and then between their 9th and 16th years they change into males, most commonly at 12. It catches with longlines, spear gun and fishing rod. They have become victims of extensive fishing activities, and hence, their population is showing a decreasing trend.