an edible fish (lobotes surinamensis) found in the warmer parts of all the oceans, and common on the southern and middle coasts of the united states. when living it is silvery gray, and becomes brown or blackish when dead. its dorsal and anal fins are long, and extend back on each side of the tail. it has large silvery scales which are used in the manufacture of fancy work. called also, locally, black perch, grouper, and flasher.