Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Scamp

SCAMP - Mycteroperca phenax Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER

Description: color light gray or brown; large adults with elongated caudal-fin rays; reddish-brown spots on sides that tend to be grouped into lines; some yellow around corners of mouth.
Similar fish: yellowmouth grouper, M. interstitalis.
Where found: OFFSHORE reefs in the Gulf.
Size: generally smaller than gags or blacks.
Remarks: spawns in late spring; feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans; undergoes sex transformation from female to male as it becomes older.