- Compressed, oval shaped body
- Juveniles are dark brown with white spots arranged in rows on the sides and back; Adults are a uniform dark brown color usually with no spots
- Juveniles have a distinctive black โsaddleโ shaped spot at the base of the tail that extends to below the lateral line
- Rear nostril 3-5 times larger than front nostril
- Clear to dusky colored pectoral and tail fins with no yellow edges
- Preopercle has a serrated edge; upper edge of the gill cover is notably convex
- Dorsal fin has 11 spines and 13-15 soft rays; anal fin has 3 spines and 9 soft rays
- Second dorsal spine not significantly longer than third spine
Habitat & Range
Commonly found over reefs and rocky bottom habitats in waters up to 1700 feet. Juveniles can also be found in shallow, coastal waters.
Life History
Snowy grouper form resident spawning aggregations, or groups, near rocky ledges and steep drop-offs. Spawning occurs from May to June near the Florida Keys. Within the Gulf of Mexico, spawning is believed to occur from January to October.
One female can release more than 2 million eggs in a season.
