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Grouper (Black & Gag) - Serranidae
Family SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Description: Olive or gray body coloration with black blotches and brassy spots; gently rounded preopercie; (see gag, next page) Similar fish: gag, M. microlepis; yellowfin grouper, M. venenosa.
Similar fish:
Where found: OFFSHORE species; adults associated with rocky bottoms, reefs, and dropoff walls in water over 60 feet deep; young may occur INSHORE in shallow water.
Size: Common to 40 pounds, may attain weights exceeding 100 pounds; no Florida record because of identity confusion with gag, which are mistakenly called "black grouper."
Remarks: Spawns between May and August; protogynous hermaphrodites, young predominately female, transforming into males as they grow larger; larger individuals generally in greater depths; feeds on fish and squid.
Florida record:
Regulations:
Size Limit: 24" Atlantic and Monroe County - 22" Gulf (excluding Monroe county)
Season:
Bag Limit: 2 per person per day Atlantic and Monroe County - 5 per person per day Gulf (excluding Monroe county)
Included in the daily Grouper aggreate bag limit.
Comments: Harvest of Nassau & Spotted Goliath Grouper prohibited.
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads and tails intact)
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