Scamp Grouper

Mycteroperca phenax

The scamp grouper (Mycteroperca phenax) is a medium to large grouper reaching up to 107 cm and 13 kg. It has a brown to grey body heavily covered with darker brown spots that form clusters and lines, and elongated rays on the caudal fin giving it a distinctive broomtail appearance. Found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, it inhabits rocky reefs, ledges, and hard-bottom areas at depths of 10 to 100 meters. This protogynous hermaphrodite feeds on fish, squid, and crustaceans. During spawning season, large aggregations form at traditional sites, making them vulnerable to fishing pressure. Its cat-like face and bold spotted pattern make it an attractive subject for underwater photographers exploring deeper reef structures in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.