Grouper

Pattaya Aquatic Life

Groupers Pattaya

Learn about Groupers Around Pattaya

Groupers are a popular sight among divers in Pattaya. These large, robust fish are known for their impressive size and variety of species, each bringing a unique aspect to the underwater ecosystem. Groupers are typically found near reefs and rocky areas, adding to the rich biodiversity of Pattaya’s waters. Common Groupers found here are Spotted Coralgrouper, Blue-lined Hind, Honeycomb Grouper, Brownspotted Grouper, Coral Grouper, Marbled Grouper, Orange-spotted Grouper, Giant Grouper, Leopard Coral grouper and Blacktip Groupers.

Where to Find Groupers in Pattaya

Different types of Grouper can be found in several dive sites around Pattaya, particularly in areas with abundant reef structures and rocky outcrops. Key locations include:

Koh Rin
Koh Lan
Koh Sak
The Shipwrecks

How to Identify Different Types of Grouper

Identifying different types of anemone shrimps involves recognizing specific features:

Coloration: Anemone shrimps are often brightly colored, with hues ranging from translucent white to vivid reds, oranges, and purples.
Size: They are generally small, typically measuring between 2 to 5 centimeters in length.
Patterns: Many species have distinctive patterns, such as spots or stripes, which help in their identification.
Body Shape: They have elongated bodies with long, slender legs and antennae, allowing them to move gracefully among anemone tentacles.

Grouper Characteristics & Behaviour

Anemone shrimps exhibit several interesting characteristics and behaviors:

Symbiotic Relationship: These shrimps live in a mutualistic relationship with sea anemones, gaining protection from predators while providing cleaning services by eating parasites and dead tissue.
Camouflage: Their coloration often mimics the tentacles of their host anemones, providing excellent camouflage.
Feeding: Anemone shrimps feed on small particles of food that drift by, as well as parasites and algae on their host anemone.
Territorial Behavior: They are known to defend their host anemone aggressively from intruders and other anemone shrimps.

Interesting Facts About Groupers

Diverse Species: There are several species of anemone shrimps, including the popular Sexy Shrimp (Thor amboinensis) and the Pacific Clown Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes brevicarpalis).
Sexual Dimorphism: In some species, males and females have different sizes and color patterns, making them easy to distinguish.
Molting: Anemone shrimps periodically molt, shedding their exoskeleton to grow, during which they are more vulnerable to predators.
Cleaning Stations: Some anemone shrimps act as cleaners, removing parasites and dead skin from fish that visit their host anemones.