Description: color light
background with brown or red-brown bars on sides; stripe in shape of
tuning fork on forehead; third spine of dorsal longer than second ; pelvic
fins shorter than pectorals; black dots around the eyes; large black
saddle on caudal peduncle.
Similar Fish: red
grouper, E. morio.
Where found: range
limited to south Florida; somewhat site specific; smaller individuals
NEARSHORE, adults OFFSHORE on rocky reefs.
Size: most catches under
10 pounds.
*Florida Record: n/a
Remarks: forms large
spawning aggregations, making this species highly vulnerable to
overharvest. NOTE: all harvest of this species is prohibited.
* 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.
