Head and fins covered with small black spots; irregular dark vertical bars present on the sides of body; pectoral and caudal fins rounded; first dorsal fin shorted than and not separated from second dorsal; adults hugh, upto 800 pounds; eyes small.

NEARSHORE around docks, in deep holes, and on ledges; young often occur in estuaries, especially around oyster bars; more abundant in southern Florida than in northern waters.

Largest of the groupers.

Spawns over summer months; lifespan of 30 to 50 years; feeds on crustaceans and fish. NOTE: Jewfish are totally protected from harvest in Florida waters.