Red Hind

Epinephelus guttatus

Managed by: SAFMC

The red hind and the rock hind, Epinephelus adscensionis, are both characterized by numerous dark spots on a lighter background. This color feature alone distinguishes the two from the speckeled hind. The red hind have pale pink bodies with uniform red spots. The back and the sides lack the large black blotches or saddles that are seen on rock hind, and the soft-rayed portions of the dorsal and anal fins as well as caudal fin are margined in black.

The species is found in tropical and subtropical waters as deep as 400 feet, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. It is most abundant off Bermuda and in the West Indies. Red hind are protogynous hermaphrodites. Spawning occurs from March to July, and females release an average of 90 thousand to 3 million pelagic eggs. The species may live up to 17 years or longer, and reach a length of 23 inches and a weight of 10 pounds. Red hind feed on small fishes, crabs, shrimps and squid. Red hind will hide in holes and crevices and capture their prey by ambush.

(For areas three to 200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida) 

 

Note: New regulations for red hind and other species effective July 29, 2009.  See Fishery Bulletin for details.  Changes are noted below in red.

Limited access permit required.

• Gear restrictions apply.