Listing Status
- Federal Status: Threatened
- FL Status: Federally-designated Threatened
- FNAI Ranks: Not ranked
- IUCN Status: CR (Critically Endangered)
Appearance
- Body with brown or red-brown bars on sides and a light background
- Stripe on top of head in the shape of a tuning-fork
- No dots around the eyes
- Third spine of dorsal fin is longer than second spine
- Pelvic fins are shorter than pectoral fins
- Large black spot on caudal peduncle
Similar Species: Red grouper, E. morio (has tiny dark spots near eyes)
Size: Up to 36 inches (55 pounds); common under 10 pounds
Habitat
Coastal waters, mostly in south Florida. Juveniles found nearshore and adults occur in deeper waters near structure. Somewhat site specific.
Behavior
Form large spawning aggregations, making this species highly vulnerable to overharvest.
Feeds on fishes and invertebrates.
Additional Information
State Record: 9 lb, caught near Marathon Key (2007)
Fishing Tips and Facts: All harvest of this species is prohibited.
Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles