Species profile
Yellowfin Grouper
Mycteroperca venenosa
At a glance
Yellowfin Grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa) is an IUCN Near Threatened bony-fish species regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 3 (Florida); the most generous is 4 (Florida).
Across 3 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 20.0 in (≈ 1 ft 8 in).
Confirmed by 2 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Florida.
Notable details
- Named for the bright yellow margins lining the edges of its pectoral fins.
- Large individuals can accumulate ciguatoxin, causing serious ciguatera fish poisoning if eaten.
- Can grow to over 3 feet and weigh more than 30 pounds.
- Starts life as female and may later transition to male as it ages.
- Inhabits coral reefs throughout the Caribbean and western Atlantic, often near steep drop-offs.
Where Yellowfin Grouper are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Yellowfin Grouper
Background
The yellowfin grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa) is a coral reef fish native to the western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is generally a denizen of the deeper reef areas, but it may venture into shallower waters, especially during the cooler seasons.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Yellowfin Grouper article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.