YELLOWMOUTH GROUPER – Mycteroperca interstitialis
Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Description: color tan or brown with darker spots; spots, or a network of spots, fused into lines; distinct yellow wash behind the jaws; yellow around the eyes; outer edges of fins yellowish.
Similar fish: scamp, M. phenax.
Where found: OFFSHORE over reefs and rocks; not as common as scamp in the Gulf; range limited to southern Florida.
Size: common to 15 pounds.
Remarks: undergoes sex change, young individuals female, becoming male; young fish are bicolored, dark above, white below; feeds on small fish and crustaceans.
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