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Field guide to marine inhabitants - Fishes
Photo Courtesy of Chad
Macfie
Gag Grouper
Prepared by:
Jessica Tokarz |
Mycteroperca
microlepis |
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Range: The
Gag Grouper is found in the western Atlantic, ranging
from North Carolina south to the Yucatan Peninsula,
including Bermuda, Cuba, and eastern Brazil. However,
juveniles have been spotted as far north as
Massachusetts. Adult members of this species inhabit
rocky inland habitat as well as rocky and grassy habitat
at depths of 500ft (152m).
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Similar Species: The
Gag Grouper is commonly mistaken for the Black Grouper (Mycteroperca
bonaci). However, the two species may be distinguished
from one another based on fin margin coloration. The
caudal and anal fins of the Gag Grouper have white margins
while the Black Grouper does not.
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Black
Grouper Mycteroperca bonaci
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Identification: Typical of all
groupers, the Gag Grouper is an oblong fish that exhibits a large mouth with
a protruding lower jaw. Its body coloration is dependent on the age and sex
of the fish. Juveniles and mature females are pale to brown-gray with dark
blotches and oblong markings that give the fish a marbled appearance. Their
fins exhibit a dark blue-black outer margin. Mature male Gag Groupers are
pale to medium gray in color with a darker gray to black ventral surface.
The fins of mature males have a dark blue-black margin with exception of the
caudal and anal fin which exhibit a white margin. All individuals have the
ability to display a camouflaged pattern with dark brown markings separated
by white bars below the dorsal fin when inactive.
Note:
The Gag Grouper has been listed as vulnerable by the
International Union for the Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) meaning that wild populations are at
high risk of extinction in the future.
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