Red Grouper

Credit: Illustration by Diane Rome Peebles

Family Serranidae

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, E. striatus

Where found: bottom dwelling fish associated with hard bottom; juveniles offshore along with adults greater than 6 years old; nearshore reefs

Size: common to 15 pounds

Remarks: spawns in April and May; prefer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit; undergoes sex change, young indifiduals female, becoming male as they age, lifespan of at least 25 years; feeds on squid, crustaceans, and fish