Snowy Grouper
Hyporthodus niveatus
FR Mérou snowy · ES Mero nevado · PT Garoupa-nevada
Also known as: Spotted GrouperCherna PintadaMérou NeigeMero nevadoMérou snowyGaroupa-nevada
Reef/KelpBoat
GamefishDeepwaterReef
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; daylight over marked structure
Depth
30–525m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–JunGood Apr–Jul
Depth range
30–525mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Vertical / shore jigging60%
Preferred seabed
Rock
Findr bio
Daylight deep structure specialist. Cut fish or squid — depth is everything...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Wreck reefDeep water
Recommended baits
SquidFish baits
Diet
Small fishCrabSquidKrillAmphipods
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingRunning Ledger
Gear
Best times
DaySlack water
I change sex as I age — try it, you might like it.
Field notes
Where to find them
Warm western Atlantic/Gulf deep reefs
Where they hang out
Deep reef structure, well below surface
Prime time
Year-round; daylight over marked structure
Tide game
Moderate
What they're into
Crab, shrimp, squid strips near deep structure
Temperature vibe
Prefers 8–16°C at depth
Fave weather
Calm seas needed for deep bottom fishing
Fun fact about me
I change sex as I age — try it, you might like it.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Seasons and quotas — check NOAA/state rulesNOAA Fisheries / Gulf state fisheries agencies
Looking after them
Vulnerable