Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) > Perciformes (Perch-likes) >
Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets) >
Epinephelinae Etymology: Mycteroperca: Greek, mykter, -eros =
nose + Greek, perke = perch (Ref. 45335). Environment / Climate
/ Range Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 137 m (Ref.
5222), usually 5 - 35 m (Ref. 40849). Subtropical; 33°N - 28°S,
92°W - 33°W (Ref. 5222) Length at first maturity / Size / Weight
/ Age Maturity: Lm 51.0  range ? - ? cm Max length : 100.0 cm TL
male/unsexed; (Ref. 26340); common length : 50.0 cm TL
male/unsexed; (Ref. 5217); max. published weight: 18.5 kg (Ref.
40637) Western Atlantic: Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico and the
Caribbean south to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Adults found on rocky and
coral reefs, juveniles occur in shallow turtle grass beds. Also
been taken in trawls over mud bottom in the northern Gulf of
Mexico. Feeds mainly on fishes (mostly on coral reef species)
and squids. Although often implicated in ciguatera poisonings,
it is a desirable food fish; and