How to Identify a Saltwater Grouper

Identify Black, Gag and Goliath Grouper

• 1

  Notice that the Black Grouper's background can range from black to brown to a dark green. Look also for black rectangular markings all over the body. The intensity of the black spots can vary. Look for a square tail.

• 2

  Look for brownish or gray wavy markings along the body of the Gags. These colorings do not form boxes or circles. The fins are black with a bluish coloring along the edges. The tail is slightly concave. The coloring is white along the anal and caudal fins; this color will deepen to a dark brown shortly after being removed from the water.

• 3

  Compare the differences between juvenile and adult Goliath Groupers carefully. Juveniles are marked with inconsistent brown bars on a gray or light brown background. Look for black spots on the fins, the sides of the body and the head. Adults have a more subdued version of this pattern. The tail is round as are all of the fins.

Identify Nassau, Red and Scamp Grouper

• 4

  Note that the Nassau Grouper is much like the Red Grouper in shape and pattern. With the Nassau Grouper there will be dark brown vertical stripes (4 or 5) on the body over a light brown background. The longest spine in the dorsal fin should always be the third one.

• 5

  Consider the Red Grouper's trademark light or rusty red with whitish spots and large, unorganized blotches. The Red Grouper species can easily be confused with the Nassau Grouper; the distinguishing trait is that the dorsal fin is smooth while the Nassau Grouper's is notched.

• 6

  Watch for an overall coloring in the Scamp Grouper that is deep tan or chocolate brown with darker markings that form dots, lines or groups of lines. Also, look for yellow around the mouth.

Identify Warsaw, Yellowfin and Yellowmouth Grouper

• 7

  Check for a dark brown color with shading to light brown on the lower portions when identifying the Warsaw Grouper. This variety's tails are square and yellowish and the second dorsal spine is elongated and crest-like.

• 8

  See the unusual red spots and longitudinal rows of rounded dark blotches of the Yellowfin. The yellowfin name comes from the marginal part of its pectoral fin. The Yellowfin Grouper also boasts 11 dorsal fins, around 18 dorsal rays, 11 anal rays and 17 pectoral rays.

• 9

  Search for an overall color of tan or brown with darker spots when identifying the Yellowmouth Grouper. This variety has a yellow wash behind the jaw, yellow around the eyes and on the outer edges of their fins.