Description: head and fins
covered with small black spots; irregular dark and vertical bars present
on the sides of body; pectoral and caudal fins rounded; first dorsal fin
shorter than and not separated from second dorsal; adults huge, up to 800
pounds; eyes small.
Similar Fish: other
grouper.
Where found: NEARSHORE
often around docks, in deep holes, and on ledges; young often occur in
estuaries, especially around oyster bars; more abundant in southern
Florida than in northern waters.
Size: largest of the
groupers.
*Florida Record: 680 lbs.
Remarks: spawns over
summer months; lifespan of 30 to 50 years; feeds on crustaceans and fish.
NOTE: jewfish are totally protected from harvest in Florida waters.
* The Florida records
quoted are from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's
printed publication, Fishing
Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are
provided as only as a benchmark.
