Mycteroperca microlepis
Gag Grouper
Maximum Size:
4.75 ft (1.5 m), 80.5 lbs (36.5 kg)
Longevity:
Up to 31 years.
Typical depth:
75–300 ft (23–91 m)
Behavior:
Gag grouper are the most common grouper in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. They typically inhabit deep, offshore ledges and reefs, although juveniles may forage for crabs in shallow coastal seagrass beds. Adult gag grouper prefer to eat fish, crustaceans and shrimp, and can be seen alone or in groups.
Predators:
Shark, greater amberjacks and other large grouper.
Did you know?
Gag groupers can become sexually mature at around 5 years of age but typically take around 10 years to reach sexual maturity. At this age, individuals are close to a total length of 3.3 feet (1 meter). Many individuals are caught before they reach this size, which is one of the reasons why this species has an IUCN conservation status as vulnerable.
