Epinephelus morio
Mero, Cherna De Vivero
The Red Grouper is overall light or rusty red with whitish spots and large blotches on their sides in an unorganized pattern. The Red Grouper can be easily confused with the Nassau Grouper. The most distinguishable trait is the dorsal fin. The top of a Nassau Grouper's fin is notched, but the Red's is smooth. Also the tips of the Nassau Grouper's fins can be yellow whereas a Red's are black.
Nassau Grouper
The Red Grouper will eat a variety of reef dwellers, including fish, lobster, crustaceans, squid and octopus.
Red Groupers are common throughout Florida but can also be found in the Bahamas.
Red grouper are found in various habitats. They can be found inshore in many areas and are generally caught in 10 to 100 feet of water. They prefer sea grass, muddy bottoms, limestone reefs, and rocky areas.
The Red Grouper that are commonly caught are about 2 feet long and weigh about 15 pounds. They can grow up to 3 1/2 feet and 25-40 pounds.
42 pounds, 4 ounces (IGFA)