Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body moderately deep, somewhat compressed; color reddish brown; spiny part of dorsal fin, pectoral and caudal fins with yellow margin (fading in large adults); caudal peduncle with dark saddle (blotch) on dorsal surface, may be obscure in older fish; white spots in horizontal rows in young; blue line from eye to angle of preopercle, eye is yellow in live fish; may be obscure in larger fish; preopercle with spines at angle; mouth large, lips thick; opercle with 3 flat spines, outer edge free; pelvic fin longer than pectoral fins; scales rough to the touch; caudal fin rounded in juveniles, truncate (nearly straight vertical edge) or slightly emarginate (concave) in adults. |
Similar Species |
Yellow margins of fins distinguish this grouper from others; yellowfin grouper has yellow on pectoral fin margin like the yellowedge grouper, but also has dark blotches on body. |
Habitat |
Gulf, deeper waters, rocky ledges, sea mounts |
Maximum Size |
115 cm (3 3/4 ft), common to 50 cm (19 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XI,13-15(usually 13-14); A. III,9 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
Epinephelus flavolimbatus |
Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |