Yellowfin Grouper

Yellowfin Grouper

Mycteroperca venenosa
Yellowfin Grouper

Average Weight/Length

This is a good-size Grouper that frequently runs to 15 pounds or so, and sometimes to 30 or more. The smaller ones, from 3-10 pounds, are apt to be the most brightly colored. World record 40 pounds, 12 ounces;

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Red Rockfish, Spotted Grouper, Bonaci Cardinal

Location Habitat

Blacks of many sizes are commonly found around the edges of coral reefs, from about 30 feet of water out to the deepest dropoffs. Even big fish, however, may roam to much shallower patch reefs, especially in cooler seasons. Small Blacks may also frequent creeks, especially in the Bahamas. Adults found on rocky and coral reefs, juveniles occur in shallow turtle grass beds. Also been taken in trawls over mud bottom in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Feeds mainly on fishes (mostly on coral reef species) and squids. Although often implicated in ciguatera poisonings, it is a desirable food fish; and even large (5 to 10 kg) fish from areas considered safe are sold in markets. Also caught with surface trolling.

Biology & Physical Description

Shows various colors, including two major phases, one of which would make it difficult to tell from the Black Grouper were it not for the bright yellow trim of the pectoral fins. In its other major color phase, the Yellowfin is the prettiest of all the GroupersÐoverall bright red with dark red or brown box-shaped blotches and, of course, the yellow pectorals. In both phases, yellow may be obvious on other fins, as well as the pectorals. Sex-reversal has been observed.

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean south to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Sport Fishing Techniques

Gill nets

Gill-nets are the dominant gear in the Indian Ocean. Gill-nets are used in artisanal and semi-industrial fisheries, contributing to 30-40% of the total catch. The net design is comprised of continuous panels of uniform mesh size, aimed to trap fish behind the gills. The International Sustainable Seafood Foundation (ISSF) notes that rates of sharks and turtle by-catch in Indian Ocean gill-net fisheries are high..

Kite Fishing (Rig)

A Kite Fishing Rig is....

River Drift

River Drift means to use the....

Trawling

Trawling is when....

Tackle & Baits

Almost anything goes, from heavy bottom-fishing outfits to the rather beefy spinning and baitcasting outfits that are used for jigging. Although live baits will take the most Yellowfins, large cut baits also work pretty well. Many are caught by trolling, especially with heavy feather-and-strip combinations. They also take plugs and spoons.

Game Rating

Game Rating : 8.5/10

Game Description :

Outstanding; among the best of the groupers.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 8/10

Game Description :

Smaller fish are excellent.