Grouper | Sw. Florida Waters
Appearance: 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.
Habitat: OFFSHORE on reefs off southern portions of Florida.
Behavior: 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.
State Record: 34 lb 6 oz, caught near Key Largo
Information About Fish You'll Find In Our Waters