Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body moderately deep, somewhat compressed; color brownish red with obscure white spots, more distinct and forming vertical rows in young; dark saddle (blotch) on caudal peduncle, reaching below the lateral line in juveniles; soft dorsal, caudal, anal and pelvic fins edged with white; spiny part of dorsal fin edged in black; preopercle with several strong spines at angle; posterior nostril larger than anterior nostril; mouth large, lips thick; opercle with 3 flat spines, outer flap free; pectoral fins equal to or slightly longer than pelvic fins; scales rough to the touch; caudal fin rounded in juveniles, truncate (nearly straight vertical edge) in adults. |
Similar Species |
Differs from marbled grouper by a more slender body, pelvic fin about equal to or slightly longer than pectoral, and scales rough to the touch; also fins lined in white; differs from the Warsaw grouper by having a less steeper mouth angle and the maxilla (upper jaw) extends past the eye (does not in Warsaw). |
Habitat |
Gulf, deeper waters |
Maximum Size |
122 cm (4 ft), common to 60 cm (23 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XI,13-14; A. III,9 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
Epinephelus niveatus |
Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |