Yellowmouth grouper (Mycteroperca interstitialis) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 2–150 m.
Scientific name: Mycteroperca interstitialis · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 84 cm
The yellowmouth grouper is an epinephelid found mainly on rocky or coral bottoms from the shoreline to at least 55 m, and small and middle-sized individuals commonly occur in mangrove-lined lagoons. It feeds on fishes, it is more common in island waters than along the coast, and sex reversal has been observed. Its tricoloured juveniles mimic the juveniles of the clown wrasse, Halichoeres maculipinna: the aggressive mimic folds down its median and caudal fins to add to the wrasse imitation, which lets it approach otherwise wary prey. Maximum length is about 84 cm total length, commonly about 40 cm, and it can live 41 years. It is a commercial species, a gamefish and is kept in public aquariums, marketed fresh with flesh of good quality. Fishing vulnerability is high to very high at 67 of 100 and resilience low, and the price category is high. IUCN lists it as vulnerable.
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