Common names
Grouper, Copper belly, Charcoal belly, Gag, Velvet rockfish
Gag grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis
- Saltwater
- Vulnerable
Max length57 in
Common length19.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight79 lb 6 oz
Depth range99 - 525 ft
Max age31 years
Water typeSaltwater
Water temperature64 - 81 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Gag grouper have long, compressed bodies. Their colouring varies with their size. Large gag are dark brownish-grey above and paler below, with traces of dark wavy markings on the sides. Smaller fish are much lighter and have dark brown or charcoal kiss-like marks along their sides. They have an oblong, robust body which is laterally compressed. The bottom of the preopercle (cheek) has a strong serrated spur. Fins are dark, with white edges on the anal fin and tail. The membranes between the dorsal fin spines are notched with the third and fourth spines being the longest. The caudal fin is square. The pelvic, anal and caudal fins have bluish-black margins. Dark lines radiate from the eyes.
Habitat
Coastal waters near structures such as rocky bottoms, reefs and drop-off walls in water over 60 feet deep. Juveniles live in estuaries in structured habitats, including seagrass beds, oyster reefs, and shipwrecks.
Distribution
Gag are found in the western Atlantic, primarily from North Carolina to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, including the Gulf of Mexico. The southern population is found in southern Brazil from Rio de Janeiro State to Santa Catarina State. Juveniles have been recorded as far north as Massachusetts.
Behaviour
Born as females but can later become male. Gag and red grouper are the most widely distributed of the Florida groupers. Spawn between January and May with some of the more tropical species spawning year-round. They eat a variety of fish, crabs, shrimp, and squid, adult gag also pray on juvenile gag.
Edibility
They are edible and can taste great if one knows how to prepare the, properly.
Lure suggestion
Grouper fishing from a boat typically involves baits fished near the bottom, with the heavy tackle to bring grouper to the surface. Chumming live bait helps bring the gags up from the bottom and entices them to feed. Good bait: small pinfish (work best), pigfish, mud minnow, finger mullet, grunt or white-bait.
Similar species
Other similar species
Black grouper, M. bonaci (spur on preopercle is gently rounded, not serrated)