A solitary species usually found on rocky bottoms; juveniles are occasionally seen on jetties and shallow reefs . Adults feed on a variety of crabs, shrimps, lobsters, and fishes. Marketed fresh.
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Distinguished by the following characteristics: dark reddish brown or brownish grey to almost black dorsally, dull reddish grey below; depth of body contained 2.4-2.6 times in SL; head length 2.1-2.5 times in SL; distinctly convex interorbital area; angular preopercle, rounded angle, with slightly enlarged serrae and with 1-2 small spines on lower edge just in front of angle; smooth interopercle and subopercle; subequal nostrils, posterior nostrils slightly larger; maxilla reaches well past eye; 4-5 rows of small teeth on midside part of lower jaw in adults and juveniles with 2-3 rows .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Warsaw grouper is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 55 - 525 m . Tropical; 43°N - 34°S, 98°W - 35°W West Indies (Cuba, Haiti, and Trinidad).
BahamasBarbadosBelizeBrazilColombiaCubaDominican RepublicHaitiJamaicaKYMexicoPanamaSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesTCTrinidad and TobagoUnited States
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Oceanodromous
Trophic Level
4±0.61
🧍 Solitary
Food Items
a variety of crabs, shrimps, lobsters, and fishes
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.01288 × L3.05
(TL)
Max TL
230cm
Max Weight
198,100g
Dorsal Spines
10
Dorsal Rays
14
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
9
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Salinity Range
30–40ppt
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Near Threatened
Assessment Date
2016
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
85.00/100
Very High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
43°N
–
34°S
Described By
Holbrook, 1855
🎣 Angling Guide
Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Line Weight
15-30
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Hook Size
2/0-5/0
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Techniques
bottom fishingpopping corksoft plasticslive bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimpcut mulletsoft plastic paddle-tailspopping corks
Recommended Tackle
medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
30-50 lb braid
fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
grass flats
oyster bars
marsh drains
deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
Regulations Summary
⚠️
Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Warsaw grouper is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
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
✗ Avoid If
Cloudy or sunken eyes
Strong fishy or ammonia odour
Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
BakingGrillingPan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
Nutrient
Amount
Protein
18.1 g
Omega-3 (total)
233 mg
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Warsaw grouper has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)