- Body color is brownish-red
- Tiny black dots found on snout
- Mouth lined in scarlet-orange color
- Sides have irregular white blotches
- Second spine of dorsal fin is long
- Pectoral fins are longer than pelvic fins
- No large black spot on caudal peduncle
Similar Species: Nassau grouper, E. striatus (large black spot on caudal peduncle)
Size: Up to 42 inches (50 pounds); common to 20 inches (15 pounds)
Habitat & Range
Bottom-dwelling fish found over hard and muddy bottoms. Juveniles found offshore along with adults greater than 6 years old. Fish from 1 to 6 years occupy nearshore reefs.
Life History
Spawn in April and May. Prefer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F. Like many other grouper, red grouper undergo aΒ sex reversal, young individual females becoming males as they age.
Lifespan of at least 25 years.
Feed on a variety of fishes and invertebrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
State Record
42 lb 4 oz, caught near St. Augustine Inlet
