Yellowmouth Grouper

Yellowmouth Grouper

Mycteroperca interstitialis
Yellowmouth Grouper

Average Weight/Length

Averages 2-3 pounds; maximum probably less than 10 pounds. World record 8 pounds, 2 ounces.

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Salmon Rockfish

Location Habitat

Occasionally on shallow patches, but more on deeper reefs to 120 feet or so near the edge of blue water. Found mainly on rocky or coral bottoms from the shoreline to at least 55 m depth; small and middle-sized individuals commonly occur in mangrove-lined lagoons. Feeds on fishes. Sex-reversal observed. More common in island waters than along the coast. The tricolored pattern of the juveniles mimics that of the juveniles of the clown wrasse, Halichoeres maculipinna. The aggressive mimic’s behavior includes folding down the median and caudal fins, which adds to its wrasse imitation and allows it to approach its otherwise wary prey

Biology & Physical Description

Almost a ringer for the Scamp, except that the inside and corners of the mouth are yellow. 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12. Distinguished by the following characteristics: Tan to brown above, paler below; upper parts of head and most of body usually have small, brown, close-set spots; sometimes uniformly brown. Adults have exerted rays that are even and about equal in length; 23-27 total gill rakers (Ref. 26938); depth of body 3.0-3.4 times in SL; head length 2.8-3.0 times in SL; angular preopercle, enlarged serrae on prominent lobe at the angle and a distinct notch above the serrate lobe; greatly enlarged posterior nostrils in adults

Life Cycle & Mating Behavior

Pelagic spawner

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean (mainly insular localities), and 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

Sheer depth-typical of many Panhandle bottom-fishing drops-may necessitate rods and lines stout enough to handle very heavy sinkers. In depths where practical, however, spinning and baitcasting tackle will handle Scamps admirably-and provide great sport as well as a great dinner. Leadhead jigs weighing 3/4 of an ounce to 11/2 ounces get lots of strikes with light gear-and if the bare jig isn't producing, it can be tipped with a strip of cut bait, or a whole small baitfish, and used as a bottomfishing rig. Any kind of small fish makes a fine livebait. Shrimp, squid and cut baits also do the job. Large diving plugs draw strikes in fairly shallow water-to about 50 feet.

Game Rating

Game Rating : 7.5/10

Game Description :

A tough fighter on tackle of reasonable size.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 9/10

Game Description :

Marketed fresh; flesh is of good quality.