Common names
Wreckfish, Atlantic wreckfish, Stone bass, Wreckfish grouper
Bass groper
Polyprion americanus
- Saltwater
- Critical
Max length82.75 in
Common length31.5 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight220 lb 7 oz
Depth range132 - 1968 ft
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
is considered to be threatened with global extinction
Short description
Bass groper have a deep, robust body and a large head with a protruding lower jaw. The anal fin has a short base and three robust spines. The caudal fin is broad and square. The body is covered with small, firmly attached scales which run up the base of the dorsal and anal fin. It has a large mouth and eyes. The back and flanks are dark brown in colour with darker spots and blotches fading to yellowish on the belly. They are bluish-grey on the back with a paler silvery sheen on the underside. The fins are blackish brown.
Habitat
Around in caves, over rocky substrates, and in areas with densely scattered boulders, natural reefs, and shipwrecks, a habitat that has led to the species' common name (wreckfish).
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and Tristan da Cunha. Western Atlantic: Newfoundland, Canada, and Gulf of Maine to North Carolina, USA. Recorded from Uruguay to Argentina. Western Indian Ocean: St. Paul and Amsterdam islands. It is also found in southern Australia from just north of Perth, Western Australia to Fraser Island in Queensland, including Tasmania.
Behaviour
They feed mainly on bottom dwelling fish, squid and cuttlefish, but they will also take crustaceans and octopuses. They have no known predators as adults, but juvenile specimens may be threatened by large bony fishes or sharks.
Edibility
The fact that wreckfish is delicious is a major selling point. Its meat is mild and sweet like the grouper's, with a large, white flake and swordfish-like texture.
Lure suggestion
One effective method for catching them is jigging with a baited hook equipped with weights of 500+ grams. Because these fish are often found hiding in wrecks in rocks, anglers should be extremely cautious of snagging their lines. Another effective method for catching Wreckfish is bottom fishing. Good baits: cut pieces of squid, octopus, and oily fish such as Tuna or Mackerel.