Gag Grouper
Family Seranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER Mycteroperca microlepis
Description: Brownish gray in color with dark worm-like markings on sides; strong serrated spur at bottom margin of preopercle, less noticeable in large specimens; fins dark, with anal and caudal having white margin. Often confused with black grouper; tail of gag is slightly concave, black is square; gag has white margin on anal and caudal fins, black does not; under 10 pounds, gag's spur on preopercle is distinctive, where black is gently rounded.
Similar Fish: Black grouper M. bonaci.
Where Found: Adults OFFSHORE over rocks and reefs; juveniles occur in seagrass beds INSHORE.
Size: Common to 25 punds.
*Florida Record: 71 lbs., 3 oz.
Remarks: Forms spawning aggregations in water no shallower than 120 feet in Middle Grounds area, January through March; current research to identify similar aggregations off Atlantic coast is ongoing. young gags are predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow larger; feeds on fish and squid.
*The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The redords are provided as only a benchmark.
