Black Grouper

(Mycteroperca bonaci)

 

Maturity at: 58 cm in length

Max Published Size: 150 cm and 220 pounds

TnT Record: 75 pounds (unofficial)

TnT Season: Year round

IUCN status: Near threatened

 

 

General Information: A solitary species inhabiting rocky and coral reefs in depths ranging 15 to 250 ft.  Adults feed primarily on fish and squid and juveniles mainly on crustaceans such as shrimp. Oviparous. A protogynous hermaphrodite species, which means the young are female and they transform into males as they grow larger. Forms spawning aggregations which have made them an easy target for years. Common but difficult to approach. Marketed fresh and its flesh is of excellent quality.