![By SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC. (NOAA Photo Library: fish4335) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AFish4335_-_Flickr_-_NOAA_Photo_Library.jpg)
By SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC. (NOAA Photo Library: fish4335) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Gag Grouper
Alternative Names: Sometimes incorrectly sold as black grouper
Monterey Bay Recommendation: Good alternative
Uses in Cooking: This fish can be baked, broiled, pan seared, grilled, or steamed.
Similar Fish: Black grouper, quillback rockfish, Trumpeter
Description: The meat is more firm than most groupers, but not firm compared to meatier fish like white seabass. The flavor is mild and buttery.
Fun Facts: Like many oceanfish, Gag groupers are all born female and larger more aggressive females become male as it becomes advantageous. Size restrictions on this fish put a disproportionate strain on the male population causing strain on reproduction.