Author: Jordan & Swain, 1884
FBname: Scamp
Comments: Found over ledges and high-relief rocky bottoms in the eastern Gulf of Mexico; at low-profile bottoms at depths of 30 to 100 m in North Carolina; this species was the most abundant grouper in areas of living <i>Oculina</i> coral formations at depths of 70 to 100 m off the east coast of Florida.  This species apparently moved inshore when bottom temperature fell below 8.6°C.  Juveniles found in shallow water at jetties and in mangrove areas.