Gag Grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis
AKA:
Black Grouper (misnomer), Gray Grouper
Managed by: SAFMC
Physical description:
Gag grouper have long, compressed bodies and 11 to 14 rays in the anal fins. Coloration is highly variable in gag and changes with the size of the fish. Large gag are dark brownish-gray above and paler below, with traces of dark wavy markings on the sides. Smaller fish are much lighter and have numerous dark brown or charcoal kiss-like marks along the sides. The scamp, M. phenax, and black grouper, M. bonaci, closely resemble the gag and often occur in the same habitat. Gag have deeply notched preopercles, distinguishing them from black grouper.
Biological description:
The gag grouper is the most widely distributed grouper in the region, with adults present from North Carolina to Brazil over low- and high-profile hard bottom in waters 60-500 feet deep. The species is found in the Gulf of Mexico but not in the West Indies. Young gag inhabit estuaries from Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral. Spawning takes place in February off the coast of the Carolinas and in January through March in the Gulf of Mexico. Gag are protogynous hermaphrodites, which means they begin life as females; however, after a few years of spawning, some gag groupers change sex to become males. 50% of females mature at 24" Total Length (TL) and 3 years of age. All fish less than 35" TL are female, while most gag over 45"TL are males.
Gag may live for 26 years and grow to be 58 inches in length and weigh up to 81 pounds. Gag often congregate around rocky ledges and swim in small groups. They are predators of round scad, sardines, porgies, snappers, grunts, crabs, shrimp and squid.
Note: Gag are often confused with black grouper. One distinguishing characteristic is based on the color of the fin margins. The caudal (tail) and anal fins of the gag have white margins, while the black grouper does not.
South Atlantic Federal Regulations
(For areas three to 200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida)
Seasonal Closure:
Note: There is an annual seasonal closure for the recreational and commercial harvest of all Shallow Water Grouper (gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, rock hind, red hind, coney, graysby, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper, and tiger grouper) January 1 through April 30. See Fishery Bulletin reminder.
Commercial:
- 24" TL size limit.
- Annual commercial harvest quota (Annual Catch Limit) of 352,940 pounds, gutted weight (gw).
- Trip limit is 1,000 lbs, gw (effective July 15, 2011)
- Effective January 31, 2011 - In addition to the current commercial harvest quota, or "Annual Catch Limit" of 352,940 pounds (gw) for gag, there is an aggregate commercial Annual Catch Limit (quota) for gag, black grouper, and red grouper of 662,403 pounds (gw). If either of these Annual Catch Limits is met or projected to be met, the commercial possession of shallow-water groupers (gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, yellowmouth grouper, tiger grouper, yellow fin grouper, graysby and coney) is prohibited. See the Final Rule for Snapper Grouper Amendment 17B for details.
- Must be landed with heads and fins intact.
- Gear restrictions apply.
Recreational:
- Included in the 3 grouper per person bag limit, no more than 1 fish may be a gag OR black grouper.
- 24" TL size limit.
- Effective January 31, 2011 - An aggregate recreational Annual Catch Limit of 648,663 pounds (gw) is established for gag, black grouper, and red grouper. See the Final Rule for Snapper Grouper Amendment 17B for details.
- Must be landed with head and fins intact.
- Purchase and sale is prohibited March and April.
- Gear restrictions apply.