Dry Tortugas Fish Identification
Gag
Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Mycteroperca microlepis
![[ Sketch ]](../images/groupgag.gif)
Description: brownish gray in color with dark worm-like markings on sides; strong serrated spur at bottom margin of preopercle, less noticeable in large specimens; fins dark, with anal and caudal having white margin. Often confused with black grouper; tail of gag is slightly concave, black is square; gag has white margin on anal and caudal fins, black does not; under 10 pounds, gag's spur on preopercle is distinctive, where black is gently rounded.
Similar Fish: black grouper M. bonaci.
Where found: over rocks and reefs
Size: uncommon to 25 pounds.
Florida Record: 71 lbs., 3 ozs.