Body relatively oblong and compressed. Head long, 43% of SL. Preopercle angulated with several strong serrae at the angle; posterior part of opercle with 3 flat spines. Pelvic fin longer than pectoral and inserted anterior to ventral end of pectoral base. Dorsal spines about equal to the longest dorsal soft ray in length. Bases of soft portions of dorsal and anal fins covered with scales. Scales on body ctenoid. Caudal fin slightly rounded. Body brown with many white spots; a large dark brown blotch on caudal peduncle, expanding below lateral line; dorsal, anal and pelvic fins dark brown; spinous dorsal fin edged with black line; caudal fin pale yellow.
Distribution:
From southern Florida to Suriname.
Remarks:
This species is separable from other species of Epinephelus by the large dark brown blotch on the caudal peduncle expanding below the lateral line and many white spots on the body. (Matsuura)