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Black
Grouper (Mycteroperca
bonaci)
Description:
Olive or gray body coloration with black blotches and brassy
spots; gently rounded preopercle.
Similar
fish: Gag, M. microlepis;
Yellowfin grouper, M.
venenosa; other grouper.
Where
found: Offshore species; adults associated with rocky
bottoms, reefs, and drop-off walls and ledges in water over
60 feet deep; young grouper may be found Inshore in shallow
water.
Size:
Common to 40 pounds, may attain weights exceeding 100
pounds. No Florida record because of identity confusion with
gag, which are mistakenly called "black grouper."
Remarks:
Spawns between May and August; protogynous hermaphrodites,
young predominantly female, transforming into males as they
grow larger; larger individuals generally in greater depths;
feeds on fish and squid.
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