Black grouper

Black rockfish
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Groupers, hamlets, hinds, seabasses, sand-perches, tatleys
Scientific Family Serranidae
Scientific Name Mycteroperca bonaci
Spanish Name Aguaj í
ITIS# 167760
Tail shape Truncate

Distinguished by the following characteristics: Side body has rectangular dark gray blotches. Outer third of second dorsal, anal and caudal fins black.


Biology

A solitary species inhabiting rocky and coral reefs. Adults feed primarily on fishes; juveniles mainly on crustaceans. Egg-laying. Forms spawning groups. Common but difficult to approach.

Appearance

Body Shape
Fusiform
Color
Main Color: Black
Other Color: white
Common Body Shape
Torpedo-shaped


Pattern
Mottled
Length
Avg Length: 28 inches (70 cm)
Max Length: 60 inches (150 cm)
Maximum Weight
220.2 lbs (100000 g)




Specifications

Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
Some decline
Range in USA
MA-TX


Abundance
Common


Other Species from same Family