Game Fishing > Grouper Family, Serranidae > Yellow-finned grouper

Yellow-finned grouper

This grouper was first noticed by Catesby, in 1743, from the Bahamas, and was named by Linnxus, in 1758, who bestowed the pecific title venenosa, or "venomous" as its flesh was said by Catesby to be poisonous at certain times. It is common at the Bahamas, and from the Florida Keys southward to the West Indies, and perhaps to South America. Its form is very similar to the gag and scamp; its depth is a third of its length. Its head is as long as the depth of the body, and rather blunt, with the profile somewhat uneven, but curved; the mouth is large, with narrow bands of teeth, and two canines in each jaw which are not directed forward.

Not much is known concerning this fish, as its flesh is reputed to be poisonous at times, and it is seldom eaten.

Its coloration is quite varied and beautiful; it is olive-green on the back, pearly bluish below, breast rosy. The upper parts are marked with broad reticulations and curved blotches of bright light green, which are especially distinct on the top of the head ; the entire body and head are covered with orange-brown spots of various sizes with dark centres; the iris of eye is orange, as is the inside of the mouth; the dorsal fin is olivebrown, with whitish blotches and a few dark spots; the pectoral fin is yellow, and all other fins have black edges. Its habits are similar to those of the other groupers. It grows to three feet in length, and frequents rocky situations.