YELLOWFIN GROUPER
Mycteroperca venenosa
Family Serranidae, SEA
BASSES AND GROUPER
Description: color highly
variable greenish olive or bright red with longitudinal rows of darker
black blotches over entire fish; outer one-third of pectoral fins bright
yellow; lower parts of larger fish with small bright red spots.
Similar fish: black grouper, M. bonaci; other
grouper.
Where found: OFFSHORE on reefs off southern portions of
Florida.
Size: common to 20 pounds.
Remarks: undergoes sex reversal from female to male in
latter part of life; specific name translates to "venomous," alluding to
the fact that this fish, perhaps more frequently than other groupers, is
associated with ciguatera poisoning; feeds on fish and squid.
Florida
record 34 lbs., 6 ozs.
YELLOWMOUTH GROUPER
Mycteroperca interstitialis
Family Serranidae, SEA
BASSES AND GROUPER
Description: color tan or brown
with darker spots; spots, or a network of spots, fused into lines;
distinct yellow wash behind the jaws; yellow around the eyes; outer
edges of fins yellowish.
Similar fish: scamp, M. phenax.
Where
found: OFFSHORE over reefs and rocks; not as common as scamp in the
Gulf; range limited to southern Florida.
Size: common to 15
pounds.
Remarks: undergoes sex reversal, young individuals female,
older individuals becoming male; young fish are bicolored, dark above
white below; feeds on small fish and crustaceans.
Florida
record 28 lbs.