The Color:

Fewer than 1 percent of Leopard Groupers will transform into this golden color. Once a typical brown spotted leopard grouper is around ten inches in size, in this minute number of fish a genetic marker in the DNA will be triggered, turning the fish this golden color. Nothing but the color in this fish changes; this and its brown sibling are genetically and taxonomically identical. Pretty amazing, and coincidentally, this is the first one we've seen at Monterey Fish.

Range:

Baja California and the Sea of Cortez

Seasonality:

Spring and Summer

Method of Capture:

Hook & Line

Sustainability Consideration:

Since groupers reproduce slowly, many are vulnerable to over-fishing. New restrictions are helping rebuild the stocks in the United States and Mexico.

Size Range:

5 to 15 pounds

Flavor and Texture:

Sweet and mildly rich with a toothsome, firm, dense moist texture.

Cooking Tips:

grill, sauté, bake