Margate

This is the largest of the Grunts, frequently running to 4 or 5 pounds, and reaching at least 12 pounds. World record 5 pounds, 12 ounces

White Margate, Margate Grunt, Ronco Blanco

Off Florida, deeper reef waters 50-150 feet turn up most Margates, but they roam into the shallows in many areas of the Bahamas. Found in dense aggregations during the day on patch reefs, around coral formations, or on sandy bottoms. Juveniles common in Thalassia testudinum beds. Feeds on crustaceans, small mollusks, and small fishes. Frequently exhibits a territorial 'kissing' display in which two contenders push each other on the lips with their mouths wide open

Similar in shape to the White Grunt but color is solid white or pearly, with darker fins. The Sailors Choice, Haemulon parra, is a similar though smaller Grunt, distinguished by scaled pectoral fins. Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Side of head has narrow blue stripes; scales above lateral line much larger than those below. Scale rows just below lateral line oblique; color variable but usually light yellowish.

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Chesapeake Bay, through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean southward to Brazil. Including Antilles
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

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Difficult to target, most are caught on cut baits by bottom fishermen using fairly heavy ocean tackle, but some fall to deep jiggers using stout spinning and plug outfits. They will hit heavy jigs, especially if tipped with a plastic worm.