Epinphelus striatus
White Grouper, Bahamas Grouper, Rockfish, Cherna Criolla
The Nassau Grouper looks much like the Red Grouper in shape and pattern, although this species will always have a dark brown stripe that begins at the nose, through the eyes, and ends at the dorsal fin. There will usually be four or five dark brown, vertical stripes on the body as well. The background is light brown. The third spine is always the longest in the dorsal fin.
Nassau Grouper feed mostly on crabs, fish and occasionally on lobster.
Nassau Grouper can be found throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas, where it is the best known of the Groupers. Also found in Southeast Florida and the Keys, where it is rare and declining.
The Nassau Groupers prefer a habitat typical of most other grouper. They can be found near a range of bottom structures such as wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs, but will rarely go into waters more that 120 feet deep.
Most Nassau Grouper caught are in the 10-pound range (two feet-long), however, the species can grow to four feet and over 50 pounds. They are widely over fished and don't normally get a chance to reach full size.
38 pounds, 8 ounces (IGFA)