294 Bass, Pike, and Perch 



THE YELLOW-FINNED GROUPER 



(^Myderoperca venenosa) 



This grouper was first noticed by Catesby, in 

 1743, from the Bahamas, and was named by 

 Linnaeus, in 1758, who bestowed the specific title 

 venenosa, or " venomous," as its flesh was said by 

 Catesby to be poisonous at certain times. It is 

 common at the Bahamas, and from the Florida 

 Keys southward to the West Indies, and perhaps 

 to South America. Its form is very similar to 

 the gag and scamp; its depth is a third of its 

 length. Its head is as long as the depth of the 

 body, and rather blunt, with the profile somewhat 

 uneven, but curved; the mouth is large, with 

 narrow bands of teeth, and two canines in each 

 jaw which are not directed forward. 



Not much is known concerning this fish, as its 

 flesh is reputed to be poisonous at times, and it 

 is seldom eaten. 



Its coloration is quite varied and beautiful ; it 

 is olive-green on the back, pearly bluish below, 

 breast rosy. The upper parts are marked with 

 broad reticulations and curved blotches of bright 

 light green, which are especially distinct on the 

 top of the head ; the entire body and head are 



