Body relatively elongate and compressed. Head long, 41% of SL. Preopercle with serrae at the angle; posterior part of opercle with 3 flat spines. Pelvic fin shorter than pectoral fin and inserted below ventral end of pectoral base. Dorsal spines longer than the longest soft dorsal fin ray, the second dorsal spine longer than the third. No notches in spinous dorsal fin. Bases of soft portions of dorsal and anal fins covered with scales. Caudal fin truncate. Body brown dorsally, white ventrally; dorsal and anal fins brown with black edge; pectoral and pelvic fins brown; caudal fin brown with posterior marginal black line.
Distribution:
From Florida, Bermuda to Suriname. Brazil.
Remarks:
This species is separable from other species of Epinephelus by having no notches in the spinous dorsal fin. (Matsuura)