Snowy Grouper

Distinguished by the following characteristics: juveniles dark reddish brown with white spots in grid-like pattern of vertical series and horizontal rows on body and dorsal fin; caudal peduncle with visible dark saddle blotch; pale caudal and pectoral fins; dark brown anal and pelvic fins; black maxillary groove; adults dark brown lacking white spots; depth of body contained 2.3-2.7 times in SL; head length 2.2-2.5 times in SL; convex interorbital area; slightly produced angle of preopercle, with enlarged serrae; distinctly convex upper edge of operculum; vertically elongate posterior nostrils, 2-5 times larger than anterior nostrils; maxilla reaches to or beyond vertical at rear edge of eye; 2 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw (Ref. 89707).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9

Found on rocky reefs and soft bottoms (Ref. 89707). Reported to be often caught in shrimp trawls in central Gulf of California. Too rare to be of commercial interest.

fisheries: subsistence fisheries