Brownish-gray body. Truncate tail with white margin. Males will have dark posterior with dark-wavy markings that may look like jaguar pattern. Females and juveniles will also have wavy patterns, but these might blend into saddles or barring. Bottom of preopercle (cheek) has strong serrated spur. Fins are dark with white edges on the anal fin and tail.
Average Maximum Size:
92 cm (3 ft)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Spur on preopercle is serrated compared to black grouper's gently rounded preopercle.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
North Carolina to the Yucatan
Habitat:
Adults are offshore over reefs, while juveniles will come into estuaries near structured habitat (e.g. oyster reefs, shipwrecks).
