Leopard Grouper: The Reef's Spotted Hunter

Covered in fine reddish spots — and sometimes turned entirely golden — the leopard grouper is one of the more striking hunters on the reef. Here's how to spot it near Jacó, plus five fun facts.

Leopard Grouper · Mycteroperca rosacea

How to spot the leopard grouper near Jacó

Look over rocky reefs and boulder slopes, where leopard grouper cruise and hover near cover. Most are pale with a dusting of small red-brown spots. A lucky few are 'golden' — a rare bright-yellow color phase that stands out dramatically against the blue.

5 fun facts about the leopard grouper

• A rare golden form. A small number of leopard grouper turn vivid gold — one of the most sought-after sights for Eastern Pacific snorkelers.
• A spotted coat. The fine reddish spots over a pale body give the 'leopard' its name.
• A teamwork hunter. Leopard grouper sometimes follow other predators to snap up prey flushed from hiding.
• Changes sex with age. Like many groupers, individuals can begin as females and become males as they mature.
• Eastern Pacific only. It's found along the Pacific coast of the Americas, especially around rocky reefs and islands.

The leopard grouper is just one of many characters down there. See the whole cast in our Snorkel Jaco fish directory, or read real guest photos and reviews on the Snorkel Jaco reviews.