Average Weight/Length
Common at 15-50 pounds; exceeds 100 pounds.
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
Mystic Grouper, Mustache Grouper
Location Habitat
Rocks and ledges in 500 feet or more. A solitary, deep-water species reported from 100-400 m; juveniles sometimes in water as shallow as 30 m. Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, and squids. Virtually nothing is known of the age, growth, and reproduction of this species.
Biology & Physical Description
Brown with 6 to 9 vertical whitish bars. Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. With 8 or 9 regular vertical darker brown bars on side. The only grouper in the Caribbean with a pattern of regular dark bars. Further distinguished by the following characteristics: head and body buff; blackish brown pelvic fins; prominent blackish brown maxillary streak on the cheek along upper edge of the maxilla; depth of body contained 2.4-2.9 times in SL; head length 2.3-2.5 times in SL; convex interorbital area; rounded preopercle angle, with enlarged serrae, 1-2 small serrae at lower edge, just in front of the angle; serrate interopercle and subopercle; posterior nostrils greatly enlarged, diameter is 4 or more times larger than anterior nostrils
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Bermuda, North Carolina (USA), Florida (USA), Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, Cuba, Yucatan (Mexico), Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Leeward islands to Trinidad. Eastern Pacific: Galapagos Islands. |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
Sport Fishing Techniques
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Kite Fishing (Rig)A Kite Fishing Rig is.... |
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Tackle & Baits
Power reels with cut bait.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 6/10
Game Description :
Seldom caught on sporting gear.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 9/10
Game Description :
Excellent.