Grouper, Red
Food Quality:
Avg. Length
16-30in
Avg. Weight
1-10lbs
World Record
42lbs 4oz
FL Record
42lbs 4oz
View Regulations
Scientific Name
Epinephelus morio
Common Names
Mero, Cherna de vivero, Brown grouper, Hamlet, Deer grouper
Description
The Red Grouper takes its name from its reddish brown body covered with splotches and spots of white. It has a long dorsal fin that’s often black and white. The tail fans widely and is flat and somewhat squared off on the edges. The Red Group also has black dots or splotches of color around the eyes.
Habitat & Behaviour
The Red Grouper can be found prone on the bottom of shallow to deep waters (10-1000ft). Larger more mature fish are often found in deeper waters. They’re favored habitats are ones with structures like rocks, ledges or reefs. They often hang out in caverns or other shelter type structures as well. Occasionally larger fish can be found around sandy or muddy bottoms as well.
Natural Prey
Red Groupers are crafty hunters often lying in wait to ambush prey. They subsist off a diet of crab, shrimp octopus, squid and lobster as well as other fish residing in coral reefs.
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.
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