Speckled hind
📖 Overview
Speckled hind (Epinephelus drummondhayi), first described by Goode & Bean, 1878 is a very large fish in the family Epinephelidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 110.00 cm in maximum length and up to 30.000 kg. Reported lifespan reaches approximately 45 years. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 25 to 183 metres. It occurs in Subtropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. The species is important as a food fish and valued as a game and sport species. As a member of the Epinephelidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Speckled hind is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 25 - 183 m , usually 60 - 120 m . Subtropical; 36°N - 24°N, 98°W - 62°W North Carolina to the Florida Keys and in the northern and eastern Gulf of Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Epinephelus Drummondhayi is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 292 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Speckled hind has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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