Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, somewhat stout; color pink or reddish on back and head, lighter color on sides and belly, some yellow mottling on sides; diffused yellow stripe from eye to margin of opercle; fins yellow and pink; filament of 3rd dorsal spine greatly elongate in larger specimens; several pelvic fin rays greatly elongated in larger fish; last rays of dorsal and anal fins elongate, pointed or rounded depending on size; mouth large, slightly upturned, lower jaw juts past upper jaw; canine teeth present in upper and lower jaws; tail truncate to slightly emarginate in adults, slightly forked in juveniles. |
Similar Species |
The pinkish color with yellow mottling and a yellow stripe on head, plus the elongated filaments on the dorsal and pectoral fins help distinguish this fish from other basses and groupers. |
Habitat |
Gulf, deep waters |
Maximum Size |
50 cm (19 1/2 in), common to 35 cm (14 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. X,14; A. III,8 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |