Family Serranidae, Sea Basses and 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.

Where found: Offshore species; adults associated with rocky bottoms, reef, and drop off walls in water over 60 feet deep; young may occur inshore in shallow water.

Size: common to 40 pounds, may attain weights exceeding 100 pounds.

Note: 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.