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Grouper, Red
Epinephelus morio
Illustrations by: Duane Raver Click image for large version.
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Family: Sea Basses (Serranidae)
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Other Names : Red Grouper
Range & Habitat : This grouper is most common in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, becoming less common westward, until only stragglers are found west of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Within its range, it is found in 30 to 400 feet of water. The red grouper is not oriented towards high-profile bottom structure, but seems to prefer hard or rock bottoms encrusted with living organisms (live bottom).
Identification & Biology : The red grouper is a rusty-red or brownish-red color with lighter blotches and small white spots scattered on the sides. The second dorsal spine is the longest in the fin, and no notch exists in the fin membrane between the second and third spine. Like other groupers, the red grouper is a protogynous hermaphrodite. All begin their lives as females and at 18 to 26 inches long, they turn into males. Some begin spawning at the relatively early age of 4 years old. Maximum age is at least 25 years. Red grouper ambush their prey — crabs, shrimp, lobsters, squid, octopuses, and fishes.
Size : This fish will grow to 50 pounds, but most catches are 20 pounds or less. All the larger fish are males.
Food Value : Excellent.
Description by: Jerald Horst, Associate Professor, Fisheries - LSU AgCenter
Description
color brownish red; lining of mouth scarletorange; blotches on sides in unorganized pattern; second spine of dorsal fin longer than others; pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins; squaredoff tail; margin of soft dorsal black with white at midfin; black dots around the eyes. Similar fish: nassau grouper, E. striatus. Normally 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 F; undergoes sex change, young individuals female, becoming male as they age, lifespan of at least 25 years; feeds on squid, crustaceans, and fish.
Catching Info
Florida record: 42 lb 4 oz St. Augustine Inlet Mar. 9, 1997 Del Wiseman, Jr.
Seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Red Grouper
Epinephelus morio Family Serranidae, SEA BA
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