Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER Mycteroperca venenosa
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.
*Florida Record: 34 lbs., 6 ozs.
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.
* The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.
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