Juvenile Nassau grouper hiding in patch reef

Juvenile Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) settle in the shallows, often taking refuge in patch reefs. At this size they are still highly vulnerable to predation. Currently (2019), the minimum size limit for harvesting Nassau grouper in The Bahamas is three pounds (approx. 17” length), yet recent science indicates that they are not sexually mature before they weigh at least five pounds.