Body relatively oblong and compressed. Dorsal contour of body more convex than ventral one. Head long, 43% of SL. Preopercular margin finely serrated; posterior part of opercle with 3 flat spines. Pelvic fin shorter than pectoral fin and inserted posterior to ventral end of pectoral base. Bases of soft portions of dorsal and anal fins covered with scales. Scales on body cycloid and smooth. Caudal fin rounded. Body and fins black with many large white blotches.
Distribution:
From southern Florida to Suriname.
Remarks:
This species is separable from other Atlantic groupers by having 11 dorsal spines, convex dorsal contour of the body, and many large white blotches on the body. (Matsuura)