BLACK GROUPER – Mycteroperca bonaci

Article by: Mark Mayo

Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Description: olive or gray body coloration with black blotches and brassy spots; gently rounded preopercle; (see gag, next page) Similar fish: gag, M. microlepis; yellowfin grouper, M. venenosa.
Where found: OFFSHORE species; adults associated with rocky bottoms, reefs, and dropoff 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; they are mistakenly called “black grouper.”
Remarks: spawns between May and August; protogynous hermaphrodites, young predominately female, transforming
into males as they grow larger; larger individuals generally in greater depths; feeds on fish and squid.

Mark Mayo

I research and report on fishing, fishing gear/equipment, survival topics, and marketing for outdoors related businesses. I assist here on CB Fishing as the editor. Articles may contain AI researched content. All content is published for education and entertainment purposes only, NOT LIFE, HEALTH, SURVIVAL, FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, LEGAL OR ANY OTHER ADVICE. Learn more about Mark Mayo