Is the Blue Groper Really a Groper?

The Blue Groper is indeed a fish, but it does not belong to the group known as groupers. Instead, it is part of the family called the Leptoscopidae, which includes species commonly referred to as clingfishes. Despite their name, clingfishes are not known to exhibit behavior that could be considered "groping."

The term "groping" is often associated with inappropriate touching or feeling, which does not accurately describe the behavior of Blue Groper or other clingfishes. These small, bottom-dwelling fish use their specialized pelvic and pectoral fins to attach themselves firmly to rocks or other surfaces. This clinging behavior is integral to their survival, allowing them to stay anchored in turbulent or high-energy environments.