Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
Distinct Features:
Dark saddle on the base of the tail
Five gray vertical bands on the body
Small black spots behind the eyes
Teardrop-shaped pupils of the eye
Can grow up to 100cm (40 inches) in length
Regulations:
The capture, possession, and sale of this grouper is illegal year around!
Local Name:
Mero cherna
Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Distinct Features:
Large, round caudal fin
Relatively small eyes
Irregular vertical brown bands around body
Can grow up to 250cm (8 feet) in length
Regulations:
The capture, possession, and sale of this grouper is illegal year around!
Local Name:
Mero batata
Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus guttatus)
Identifying features:
Dense brown or red spots on body and head
Pale diagonal lines
Long pointed teeth
Can grow up to 100cm (40 inches) in length
Regulations:
The Capture, possession, and sale of this grouper is illegal February 1st - April 30th in EEZ!
Local Name:
Mero tigre
Graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata)
Identifying features:
Rounded caudal fin without dark margin
4 dorsal spots that are black
Can reach 33 cm (13 inches) in length
Regulations:
No Federal or State regulations in place.
Local Name:
Mapiro
Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci)
Identifying features:
Straight edge of caudal fin with dark wide margin with white border
Squared blotches on body
Can reach 150 cm (60 inches) in length
Regulations:
The capture, possession, and sale of this grouper is illegal February 1st - April 30th in EEZ.
Local Name:
Guajil prieto
Coney (Cephalopholis fulva)
Identifying features:
Dark spots with blue margins on body
Has 3 different color phases: brown, bi-color and red
Can reach 39 cm (15 inches) in length
Regulations:
No Federal or State regulations in place.
Local Name:
Mero mantequilla
Red Hind (Epinephelus guttatus)
Identifying features:
Dark margin of caudal, anal and second dorsal fins
Red spots on body and head
Can grow up to 76cm (30 inches) in length
Regulations:
The capture, possession, and sale of this grouper is illegal December 1st - February 28th / 29th in PR and West EEZ.
Local Name:
Mero cabrilla
Identifying features:
Straight edge of caudal fin with thin dark margin
Yellow edge of pectoral fins
Small red dots on body
Gray or maroon square shaped spots
Can reach 100 cm (40 inches) in length
Yellowfin Grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa)
Regulations:
The capture, possession, and sale of this grouper is illegal February 1st - April 30th in PR and EEZ.
Local Name:
Guajil aleta amarilla
Rock Hind (Epinephelus adscensionis)
Identifying features:
Caudal fin with no dark margin
3 dorsal dark saddles one on the base of the tail
Can reach 62 cm (24 inches) in length
Regulations:
No Federal or State regulations in place.
Local Name:
Cabrilla mora
Yellowmouth Grouper (Mycteroperca interstitialis)
Identifying features:
Straight edge of caudal fin with uniform rays
Yellow jaw and inside of the mouth
Can reach 84 cm (33 inches) in length
Regulations:
No Federal or State regulations in place.
Local Name:
Guajil de boca amarilla
Groupers