Common names: grouper (English), cabrilla (Espanol), mero (Espanol), cherna (Espanol)
 
Epinephelus cifuentesi Lavenberg & Grove, in Heemstra & Randall 1993

Olive grouper,     Northern grouper

Body robust, compressed; end of top jaw exposed; 27-31 gill rakers; operculum edge with 3 flat spines; rear nostril at most only slightly larger than front nostril; preoperculum without spines; 1 dorsal fin with XI spines, 2nd spine longest, membranes notched between spines, 14-16 rays; anal fin with III spines, 9 rays; pectorals 17-19 rays; lateral line complete, ending at tail base, smoothly arched; scales rough, relatively small, 131-144 on lateral line.

Pale grey-brown with intense green iridescence on body; fins darker, pectoral with intense blue iridescence; membranes between first 5 spines black; margins of pectoral and anal fins cream; juveniles grey-brown with dark line above top jaw.

        Size: 100 cm.

Habitat: rocky reef.

Depth: 40-135 m.

        The tip of Baja; southern Mexico to Ecuador; the Galapagos, Malpelo, Cocos, Revillagigedos, Alijos rocks.