Red Grouper
Family serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER Epinephelus morio
Description: Color brownish red; lining of mouth scarlet-orange; blotches on sides in unorganized pattern; second spine of dorsal fin longer than others; pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins; squared off tail; margin of soft dorsal black with white at midfin; black dots around the eyes.
Similar Fish: Nassau grouper, E. striatus.
Where Found: Bottom dwelling fish associated with hard bottom; juveniles OFFSHORE along with adults greater than 6 years old; fish from 1 to 6 years occupy NEARSHORE reefs.
Size: Common to 15 punds.
*Florida Record: 39 lbs., 8 ozs.
Remarks: Spawns in April and May; perfer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F; undergoes sex reversal, young individual females becoming males as they age, lifespan of at least 25 years; feeds on squid, crustaceans, and fish.
*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.
