Mycteroperca phenax
Scamp Grouper
Maximum Size:
3.5 ft (1.1 m), 31 lbs (14.2 kg)
Longevity:
Up to 31 years.
Typical depth:
75–300 ft (23–91 m)
Behavior:
Scamp grouper prefer low-profile seabeds and are most often seen at depth. However, they occasionally venture up into shallower water and many congregate around wrecks and artificial reefs. They are excellent ambush predators, preying on any fish small enough to fit in their mouth, along with crabs and shrimp. Scamp are a popular food fish, and are particularly sought out by spearfishers,
Predators:
Shark, greater amberjacks and other large grouper.
Did you know?
The scamp grouper is a popular fish with spearfishers and angelers. The common name “scamp” is believed to come from the fish’s cunning ability to steal bait from hooks without being caught. The United States navy has named two submarines USS Scamp, after this fish.
