| Market Names |
Black Grouper, Grouper |
| Where Caught |
Most commonly caught from North Carolina south to the Florida Keys and the US Gulf of Mexico south to the southern tip of Central America. Some production of other species of Grouper comes from the Pacific Ocean from Northern Mexico to the northern tip of South America and increased production coming from Southeast Asia. |
| How Caught |
Most typically caught by longline and pole-and-line |
Black Grouper
Black Grouper (Mycterophelus bonaci) is part of the Sea Bass family . Black Grouper is just one of over 85 species available world wide. A reef fish, Grouper is found in tropical and sub-tropic waters. The Black Grouper, although common in southern Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, is caught and landed in smaller quantities than Red Grouper.
The U.S. Grouper Fishery is concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico, just west of Florida state waters. Accidental bycatch in this fishery often includes juvenile Groupers and other species of Grouper protected by law.
Grouper from many South East Asian Countries are making their way into U.S. markets. These products are of excellent quality and relieving the pressure on domestic fisheries.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® states Grouper is “long-lived (up to 40 years) and reproduce for only short periods, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing. Many Grouper species are considered overfished" and rates Black Grouper form the South Atlantic as "Avoid." Black Grouper from the Gulf of Mexico is rated as "Good Alternative” because “in the Gulf of Mexico, red grouper and black grouper populations have increased. Also, strict management in this area is helping reduce catch of depleted gag grouper, helping those populations recover."
| Sources | |
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Species NameMycterophelus bonaci |
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SourceBlack Grouper is found wild in temperate waters from the Mid-Atlantic States and Florida to South America, Central America and the Gulf of Mexico. In recent years, new Grouper fisheries have developed in South East Asia. Though not necessarily Black Grouper, these other Grouper species are of excellent eating quality. |
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Fishing MethodWild capture Black Grouper is caught with longline and pole-and-line on day boats as well as multi-day trips. Farm raised Grouper is currently being tested but its economic viability is in serious question. |
| Features | |
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FlavorBlack Grouper has a distinct sweet mild flavor similar to other Grouper and Sea Bass. The flesh is firm yet flaky and although it is quite lean, remains moist even when over cooked. Even culinary experts have a difficult time distinguishing between many species of grouper and some Sea Bass. |
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Dietary InformationBlack Grouper is a popular choice for health-conscious consumers because of its high nutrition value. Source: USDA |
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AppearanceBlack Grouper flesh is white and lean with relatively few bones. When cooked, the pearl colored meat has a very firm texture, heavy flake and remains moist. |
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FormFresh Black Grouper is available head on dressed, headless dressed, filleted and portioned. Frozen Black Grouper is very unusual as most is absorbed into fresh markets. Other Grouper species are available in Fillet form graded by size which can vary greatly. |
| Uses | |
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PreparationBlack Grouper can be baked, broiled, fried, steamed and even hold up well on the grill. Unlike most fish, Grouper can be overcooked and still remain moist. |
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SubstitutionBlack Grouper has a number of acceptable substitutions, mainly other species of grouper, and a variety of Sea Bass. *Caution* Economic Fraud has been on the rise with deliberate substitutions by some unethical members of the industry. Concerns from retail and the foodservice industry abound. As with all seafood, buy from a trusted supplier and if the price is cheaper than it should be, take a closer look. You may not actually be getting Grouper! |
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HandlingFresh Black Grouper should be refrigerated at 30-34 degrees F. Whole fish should be surrounded with fresh ice in a perforated pan which allows any water to drain away from the product for maximum shelf life. Never directly ice a Black Grouper fillet. Filleted product should be stored in a sealed plastic container and surrounded with ice. |
| Market | |
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Sizes and CutsFresh Black Grouper vary in size greatly. Average is 6 to 20 pounds. Ask your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate about current sizes available. Frozen Grouper fillets are generally graded 4-6 oz, 8-10 oz, 10-12 oz, and 12-16 oz. |
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Pricing ScaleFresh Black Grouper prices have increased steadily over the last few years due to a dwindling supply. Imported fish are generally less expensive than domestic. Frozen Black Grouper is seldom available but other Grouper species are more commonly available. Check with your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate availability. Due to market and currency fluctuations, please contact your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate for up-to -date market information and current pricing information. |
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Shelf LifeFresh Black Grouper which has been handled and stored properly should retain optimum quality for 3-4 days. Frozen can be commercially stored for up to one year. |