🌊 Saltwater

Gag Grouper

Mycteroperca microlepis

The gag grouper is one of the most sought-after reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast. With its impressive size, camouflage coloring, and excellent table quality, it is a prize catch for both commercial and recreational anglers. Like many groupers, all gag grouper are born female and can change sex to become male as they grow older.

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Typical Size

18–36 inches (45–90 cm) typical

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Weight

3–20 lbs (1.4–9 kg) typical; record over 80 lbs (36 kg)

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Lifespan

26+ years

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Water Type

Saltwater

🗺️ Habitat

Rocky reefs, ledges, and artificial structures in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Juveniles inhabit seagrass beds and nearshore areas.

🔍 How to Identify Gag Grouper

1Gray to brownish body with brown or black worm-like or cloud-like markings
2Squared-off or slightly emarginate (notched) tail
3White spots on body (especially younger fish)
4Preopercle (bone at edge of gill cover) has no distinguishing spines or notches
5Heavy-bodied with large head and mouth typical of groupers

🍽️ Diet

Grunts, snapper, squid, shrimp, and other reef fish and invertebrates

💡 Fun Facts About Gag Grouper

★All gag grouper are born female and change to male after reaching about 10+ years of age
★Grouper use their large mouths to create suction and inhale prey whole
★They are solitary fish that hold territories around reef structures
★The word "grouper" likely comes from the Portuguese "garoupa"
★Grouper cheeks are considered a delicacy and are the most flavorful part of the fish

🛡️ Conservation Status

Least Concern for the species, but managed with fishing regulations to prevent overfishing

🔗 Related Species

Red Snapper

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Learn more:

How to Identify Fish: A Beginner's Guide Most Common Freshwater Fish in North America ← Back to All Fish Species