Common eating fish of the Florida Keys
Black Grouper
Olive or gray body covered with black blotches and brassy spots; of the sea bass group. Found offshore on rocky bottoms, reefs, and by drop off walls in water over 60 ft deep. Commonly as large as 40 lbs., may be as large as 100 lbs. Feeds on fish and squid.
DOLPHIN (MAHI-MAHI or DORADO)
Bright greenish blue above, yellow on sides. Flashes neon bright purple under stress. Body tapers sharply from head to tail. Found offshore in warm waters and commonly reaches 30 lbs. Very fast growing and lacking scales, swims at speeds to 50 knots. It feeds on flying fish and squid.
COBIA
Long slim fish with broad, depressed head: projected lower jaw and dark lateral stripe. Found inshore and near shore in inlets and bays, near structures like pilings and wrecks. Feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish.
TUNA
Back silvery gray to dark at top. Muscular body with thin fins. Found offshore. common to 20 lbs. Schools from the summer in the north to winter in south Florida. Feeds on fish and squid.
YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER
Back and upper sides olive to blue with yellow spots; lower sides and belly with alternating longitudinal pink and yellow stripes. Midlateral yellow stripe from mouth to tail. Found off shore or near shore on grass beds, back reefs, and sandy areas. Commonly 3-5 lbs, feeding on small fish and invertebrates.
All pictures credited to http://www.boat-ed.com/fl/handbook/saltwater_fish.htm