Yellowfin Grouper

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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.