Calico Grouper

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Florida south through the Caribbean to Venezuela. Found around shallow coral reefs, rocky structure, and grass flats in 10–100 feet. A colorful, smaller grouper of tropical Atlantic waters — common in the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean.

Preferred Water Temperature: 70°F–82°F. A tropical reef grouper found in warm, clear water around coral structure and rocky bottom. Common in the Bahamas and Caribbean in fairly shallow water.

Size & Weight: Typically 1–5 lbs. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. A colorful grouper with a mottled, calico-like pattern. Good table fish — firm, white meat typical of the grouper family.

Best Lures: Small to medium jigs work near structure. Small swimbaits produce strikes around reefs.

Best Baits: Live shrimp are the top bait. Small live fish work well. Cut squid produces consistent results. Fresh cut fish are effective near structure.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Florida south through the Caribbean to Venezuela. Found around shallow coral reefs, rocky structure, and grass flats in 10–100 feet. A colorful, smaller grouper of tropical Atlantic waters — common in the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean.

70°F–82°F. A tropical reef grouper found in warm, clear water around coral structure and rocky bottom. Common in the Bahamas and Caribbean in fairly shallow water.

Best Lures: Small to medium jigs work near structure. Small swimbaits produce strikes around reefs. Best Baits: Live shrimp are the top bait. Small live fish work well. Cut squid produces consistent results. Fresh cut fish are effective near structure.

Typically 1–5 lbs. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. A colorful grouper with a mottled, calico-like pattern. Good table fish — firm, white meat typical of the grouper family.