Fin's Fish Guide
The Broomtail grouper (Mycteroperca xenarcha) is a brackish-water fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Description
The broomtail grouper is a large grouper of the family Serranidae from the eastern Pacific. The species can grow to over a metre and has a robust, grey-brown body with dark marbling and a conspicuous tail fin whose rays project at the margin like the bristles of a broom, to which the name refers. It lives from mangrove areas to hard bottoms of the continental shelf and slope, and prefers mangroves as nurseries. As an ambush hunter it catches fishes and crustaceans. The species is a valued food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Broomtail grouper?
The Broomtail grouper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Caudal fin rays project like broom bristles; uses mangroves as a nursery; protogynous hermaphrodite.
Where does the Broomtail grouper live?
The Broomtail grouper lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; mangroves and hard bottoms of shelf and slope.
How big does the Broomtail grouper get?
The Broomtail grouper grows to a maximum of about 150 cm.
Is the Broomtail grouper dangerous to humans?
No, the Broomtail grouper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Broomtail grouper edible?
Yes, the Broomtail grouper is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mycteroperca
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Broomtail grouper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Broomtail grouper is one of 12,519 species in the app.