Yellowfin grouper
| Yellowfin grouper | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Subfamily: | Epinephelinae |
| Genus: | Mycteroperca |
| Species: | M. venenosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Mycteroperca venenosa (Linnaeus, 1758) | |
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.
The fish is variable in color, but is usually similar in appearance to the black grouper. It is distinguishable by the bright yellow trim on the pectoral fins. The yellowfin grouper is a hearty fish, often reaching 10 kg. It is considered quite tasty and is one of the more popular Gulf gamefishes. It has been known to be a cause of ciguatera toxin poisoning, however. An attractive animal, the yellowfin grouper is a popular aquarium fish.
This species is one of the main catches in the fishing industry in Bermuda. It is considered overfished, and is currently threatened in several areas.
External links
- Mycteroperca venenosa FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. January 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
- IUCN Red List 2004