Name this fish

[GettinFishy]

Hello All,

I live in West Palm Beach, FL. I went fishing today and caught a small red grouper. Can you guys help me identify the species? Thanks.

 

[pinnatus]

Cephalopholis miniata

 

[pinnatus]

Only problem is, miniata should not be in Florida.

 

[snorvich]

Only problem is, miniata should not be in Florida.

Right. I think the id looks correct though.

 

[moriarty]

Wow! This does look like C. miniata! I think that it might be C. fulva, as they are native to that region. I've seen them with many different colors/patterns, but haven't seen one quite that red!

 

[pinnatus]

I think you must be right, C. Fulva.

 

[nivram]

Strawberry grouper?

 

[Betta132]

Very pretty!
How big do they get? I'm guessing big and hefty, since it's a grouper.

 

[GettinFishy]

He was pretty small, probably need like a 500 gal+ tank for him tho. I was googling and he kinda looks like a what fwc calls a red hind.

 

[moriarty]

Very pretty!
How big do they get? I'm guessing big and hefty, since it's a grouper.

Fishbase has the max size listed at 41 cm (roughly 16"), although the majority that I have seen while diving/snorkeling have been under 12".