Dry Tortugas Fish Identification

Jewfish

Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Epinephelus itajara

[ Sketch ]

Description: head and fins covered with small black spots; irregular dark and vertical bars present on the sides of body; pectoral and caudal fins rounded; first dorsal fin shorter than and not separated from second dorsal; adults huge, up to 800 pounds; eyes small.

Similar Fish: other grouper.

Found on The Dry Tortugas: most often asscoiated with wrecks, coral reef edges and prominent structures.

Size: largest of the groupers.

Florida Record: 680 lbs.

Remarks: Jewfish are now a protected species and may not be harvested.