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
Where Found: juveniles OFFSHORE along with adults greater than 6 years old; fish from 1 to 6 years old occupy NEAR SHORE reefs.
Size: common to 15 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder.
Remarks: spawns in April and May; life span of at least 25 years; feeds on squid, crustaceans, and fish.



Description: color light gray or brown; large adults with elongated caudal-fin rays; reddish-brown spots on sides that tend to be grouped into lines; some yellow around corners of mouth.
Similar fish: yellowmouth grouper
Where Found: NEARSHORE reefs off the northeastern coast, and on OFFSHORE reefs in the Gulf.
Size: generally smaller than gags or blacks.
Remarks: spawns in late spring; feeds on small fish, squid, and crustaceans; undergoes sex transformation from female to male as it becomes older.



Description: brownish gray in color with dark worm like markings on sides, often confused with black grouper.
Similar fish: Black Grouper
Where Found: adults OFFSHORE over rocks and reefs; juveniles occur in sea grass beds INSHORE.
Size: common to 25 pounds
Remarks: feeds on fish and squid