Red Grouper

Epinephelus morio

The Red Grouper is a member of the large and diverse sea bass family. Many sea basses are hermaphrodites, which means they have both male and female reproductive features. Some produce both eggs and sperm, and others mature as females and later transform into males. The smaller sea basses are often very colorful. Groupers are large fishes with relatively small scales. They tend to have stout, elongate bodies that are moderately compressed. They are important as food in many tropical areas.

Look For : A rosy-reddish grouper with indistinct pale blotches. Membranes of dorsal fin not indented behind spines. Second dorsal fin spine the longest. Anal fin has 8-9 rays.

Length : 3'.

Habitat : Coastal waters to depths of 300'.

Range : From Massachusetts to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and southward.