Description: Color highly variable greenish olive or bright red with longitudinal rows of darker black blotches over entire fish; outer one-third of pectoral fins bright yellow; lower parts of larger fish with small bright red spots.

Similar fish: Black grouper, M. bonaci; Gag, M. microlepis, other grouper.

Where found: Offshore on reefs off southern portions of Florida.

Size: Common to 20 pounds.

Remarks: Undergoes sex reversal from female to male in latter part of life; specific name translates to "venomous" alluding to the fact that this fish, perhaps more frequently than other groupers, is associated with ciguatera poisoning; feeds on fish and squid.