Fish
Gag Grouper
A tier
Gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) is a greyish Gulf and south Atlantic grouper with mild, moist white flesh and a medium-firm flake beloved for fried grouper sandwiches and grilled fillets. It is slightly less dense than black grouper but still meaty and clean-tasting when fresh. Fry, blacken, or grill; gag is the workhorse grouper of many Florida menus. Keep the interior moist by pulling at pearly opacity. Confirm species—gag is sometimes substituted or mixed in generic “grouper” boxes.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
South-eastern US coastal fishers relied on gag grouper among reef catches.
Commercial gag landings supplied regional fresh markets.
Gag grouper became tightly managed alongside other Gulf groupers.
Seasonal openings made gag a celebrated menu special.