Mycteroperca phenax
Brown Grouper, Broomtail Grouper, Abadejo
Scamps overall coloration is a deep tan or chocolate brown, with numerous darker markings that form dots, or lines, or groups of lines. Their elongated rays of the caudal fin give the broomtail appearance. They also have some yellow around the corners of their mouth.
The Scamp feed on squid small fish and crustaceans.
Scamps are most plentiful along the Gulf Coast and roughly the upper half of the Florida Atlantic Coast. They are not common in South Florida and the Bahamas, where the similar Yellowmouth Grouper has largely replaced them.
Scamps are sometimes fairly close to shore, but generally they stick to deep reefs and ledges offshore.
Scamps are usually well under 10 pounds, but occasionally more than 20.
29 pounds, 10 ounces (IGFA)