Yellowmouth Grouper: Mycteroperca interstitialis

Appearance:

color tan or brown with darker spots, or a network of spots, fused into lines; distinct yellow wash behind the jaws; yellow around the eyes; outer edges of fins yellowish.

Habitat:

OFFSHORE over reefs and rocks; not as common as scamp in the Gulf; range limited to southern Florida

Behavior:

undergoes sex reversal, young individuals female, older individuals becoming male; young fish are bi-colored, dark above white below; feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

State Record:

This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Similar Fish: scamp, M. phenax.

Additional Information:

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles