Yellowfin Grouper
Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER Mycteroperca
venenosa
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; other grouper.
Where found: OFFSHORE on reefs off southern portions of Florida.
Size: common to 20 pounds.
Florida Record: 34 lbs., 6 oz.
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.
The Yellowfin grouper is an important sport fish and a common species around coral reefs. Good eating, but some times said to be poisonous in parts of the West Indies.