Description: Olive or gray body coloration with black blotches and brassy spots; gently rounded preopercle.

Similar fish: Gag, M. microlepis; Yellowfin grouper, M. venenosa; other grouper.

Where found: Offshore species; adults associated with rocky bottoms, reefs, and drop-off walls and ledges in water over 60 feet deep; young grouper may be found 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 predominantly female, transforming into males as they grow larger; larger individuals generally in greater depths; feeds on fish and squid.