Yellowfin grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 2–137 m.
Scientific name: Mycteroperca venenosa · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 100 cm
The yellowfin grouper is an epinephelid whose adults are found on rocky and coral reefs while juveniles occur in shallow turtle grass beds; it has also been taken in trawls over mud bottom. It feeds mainly on fishes, mostly coral reef species, and on squid, it is also caught with surface trolling, and sex reversal has been observed. It is a desirable food fish, and even large fish of 5 to 10 kg from areas considered safe are sold in markets. Its range is the western Atlantic, from Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean south to Sao Paulo in Brazil. Maximum length is about 100 cm total length, commonly about 50 cm, and it matures at about 54 cm. It is a highly commercial species, a gamefish and is kept in public aquariums, with a very high price category. Fishing vulnerability is high at 62 of 100 and resilience low, and climate vulnerability is very high at 86 of 100. IUCN lists it as near threatened.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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