Gag Grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis
AKA: gag
Description: Gag Grouper have long, compressed bodies and 11 to 14 rays in the anal fins. Their color varies and changes with the size of the fish. Large gag are dark brownish-gray on top and paler on the bottom, with traces of dark wavy markings on the sides. Smaller fish are much lighter and have numerous dark brown or charcoal kiss-like marks along the sides. Gag Grouper have deeply notched gill covers, distinguishing them from black grouper.
Size: Gag grouper grow to 51 inches and 55 pounds.
Sometimes confused with: Black Grouper, Scamp
Habitat: Adult Gag Grouper can be found from North Carolina to Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico over low and high profile hard-bottom reefs and oil rigs in waters 60 to 250 feet deep. Young gag inhabit estuaries from Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral, Fla. They often congregate around rocky ledges and swim in small groups.
