GROUPER
Grouper is the common name for numerous members of marine fish in the sea bass family. They commonly grow to 50-100 pounds (they can reach up to 750 pounds), but most market fish are about 5 to 20 pounds.
Grouper may be found along coastal areas around the world, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
Common varieties are the Red Grouper, Nassau Grouper, and Black Grouper; the Jewfish can reach up to 750 pounds. Many grouper can change color, depending on their surrounding. They are also very friendly fish, and can frequently handled and also fed by hand.
Grouper are predatory fish and, especially larger fish, are on the top of the list of fish likely to cause ciguatera poisoning - so stick with fish in the 5 pound range. Grouper are highly valued as a food fish, with firm, lean flesh that is suitable for almost any type of cooking.
The largest grouper caught with rod and reel weighed over 436 pounds. The fish was caught in Destin, Florida on December 22, 1985.
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