Saltwater Sport Fish of the Gulf Field Guide (Fish Identification Guides)

Red Grouper
Epinephelus morio

Family: Sea bass family (Serranidae)

Other Names: mero americano

Description: stout, reddish brown body; scattered white spots over pale blotches; small black spots around mouth; inside of mouth red or orange; hard dorsal fin high with a straight edge; pectoral fins longer than pelvic fins; dorsal, anal and tail fins blackish with white margins

Habitat: rock walls, ledges and wrecks from 20 to 300 feet deep

Food: crabs, shrimp, lobsters, octopus and fish

Reproduction: matures in 4 to 7 years, then spawns in the open sea

Gulf Distribution: the entire Gulf

Average Size: 5 to 10 pounds

World Record: 42 pounds, 2 ounces, St. Augustine, Florida, 1997

Table Quality good to excellent when baked or grilled with lime juice and butter

Notes: The Red Grouper is a large, stout fish closely related to the Nassau Grouper. They are solitary fish that can be found in any water from 10 to 300 feet deep, but they need holes and crevices to hide in. Rock walls, ledges and wrecks are good Red Grouper habitat. Red groupers are a favorite target of spearfishermen in many clear water areas and have been severely overharvested. They are strong fighters when hooked and quick action is needed to keep them from returning to their holes and cutting the line.

Fishing Methods: still-fishing and drifting

Bait: live fish, crabs, squid and cut baits

Where: rock ledges and wrecks

Tips: fish a small squid by bringing it up several feet then dropping it back to the bottom