Mycteroperca bonaci
Rock Grouper
The Black Grouper's entire body is covered with black, rectangular markings over a background that can be brown, reddish-brown, dark green, or black. The black spots can vary in intensity, becoming gray or seeming to disappear. This grouper also has a squared tail.
Adult black grouper will feed on whatever fish are available in their immediate area. They will also eat squid and crustaceans (when they're young).
These fish are found mostly on the coasts of Florida and the Gulf. They can also be found in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, and Bermuda.
Black Grouper’s normally live far from shore and prefer rocky bottoms, reefs, and drop-offs in water over 60 feet deep.
The Black Grouper averages 40 pounds with a length of 1½ to 3 feet long. The can grow as large as 100 pounds and up to 4 feet long.
124 pounds, 0 ounces (IGFA)