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Red Grouper

Epinephelus morio
Managed by: NOAA Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
New England/Mid-AtlanticSoutheast
Protected status
None
Also known as
GrouperCherna americanaNegre

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC
Size
Up to 42 inches (50 pounds); common to 20 inches (15 pounds)
Similar species
Nassau grouper, E. striatus (large black spot on caudal peduncle) Size: Up to 42 inches (50 pounds); common to 20 inches (15 pounds)
Appearance
  • Body color is brownish-red
  • Tiny black dots found on snout
  • Mouth lined in scarlet-orange color
  • Sides have irregular white blotches
  • Second spine of dorsal fin is long
  • Pectoral fins are longer than pelvic fins
  • No large black spot on caudal peduncle
Habitat
Bottom-dwelling fish found over hard and muddy bottoms. Juveniles found offshore along with adults greater than 6 years old. Fish from 1 to 6 years occupy nearshore reefs.
Behavior
Spawn in April and May. Prefer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F. Like many other grouper, red grouper undergo a sex reversal, young individual females becoming males as they age. Lifespan of at least 25 years. Feed on a variety of fishes and invertebrates.
Additional information
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Seafood Profile

Powered by NOAA FishWatch data. Availability and detail varies by species.

NOAA FishWatch
Population
In the Gulf of America* (formerly Gulf of Mexico), the stock is not overfished. In the South Atlantic, the stock is overfished, but the fishing rate established under a rebuilding plan promotes population growth.
Fishing rate
Not subject to overfishing.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Taste
Red grouper has a mild but distinct flavor, somewhere between bass and halibut. Red grouper is sweeter and milder than black grouper, and many consider red grouper the tastier of the two.
Texture
Very firm, moist, and flaky.
Color
Raw and cooked meat is white.
Health benefits
Red grouper is low in saturated fat, and a good source of vitamins B6 and B12, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and selenium.
Sources
Image credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady