Black Grouper

Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci)

Black groupers are robust, predatory fish found in the Atlantic Ocean, primarily around coral reefs and rocky outcrops. Recognizable by their dark, mottled coloration, these powerful swimmers can reach lengths of over 3 feet and weigh more than 50 pounds. Their diet consists mainly of smaller fish, crustaceans, and occasionally squid. Black groupers are highly prized by anglers for their challenging fight and are also an important species for local ecosystems, helping to maintain balanced reef communities.

Black groupers are also known by several other names, including:

• Black Rockfish
• Goliath Grouper (though this name is often used for a related species, (Epinephelus itajara)
• Tigrillo
• Mycteroperca bonaci (scientific name)

These names can vary by region and among different fishing communities.