Grouper, Black
Food Quality:
Avg. Length
18-36in
Avg. Weight
5-15lbs
World Record
124lbs
FL Record
114lbs
View Regulations
Scientific Name
Mycteroperca bonaci
Common Names
Bonaci arara, Aguaji, Rockfish, Blackfin grouper
Description
The Black Grouper has a larger sized mouth with a lower jaw that extends quite noticeably, creating the effect of an under bite. The coloration of the Black Grouper can range from grey or black to reddish-brown or green. They almost always have darker or lighter spots and splotches of color, but these markings can occasionally fade. The fins are edged in white with a darker blackish color on all except the soft dorsal.
Habitat & Behaviour
Black Grouper are found offshore in water with structures such as coral reefs, rock outcroppings, drop offs or other structures that may produce crevices or shelter. Black Grouper tend to go where the food is feeding at the bottom or even occasionally near the top of reefs or other structures.
Natural Prey
Black Grouper subsist on a diet composed of smaller fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.
Handling Tips
Reef fish like the Grouper require anglers to use dehooking tools and venting tools to safely release the fish. When releasing keep in water, remove hook with pliers or dehooker and vent accordingly if you brought it up from a deep depth. Grouper all share a set of very sharp teeth and very sharp gill plates. Put fingers gently inside gill plate (just in corner , not too far inside), pinch outside of lip with thumb – easiest way to hang onto them. Spines not known to injure.
- Lucky Tackle Box
- Billfish Bounty in the Heart of the Mayan World – Guatemala
- The Best Species of Shark to Catch
- How to Catch a Shark: what equipment do you need?
- The Best Winter Fishing Spots in Texas