Tiger GrouperorGag Grouper
Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.
How to tell them apart
Tiger Grouper
Slim reef grouper with oblique tiger bars sweeping down and back along the body.
Gag Grouper
Box-shaped worm markings in gray marble; darker fins with white edge on the anal.
Gag grouper, next to tiger grouper: gray marble, no oblique bars.
Side by side
| Tiger Grouper | Gag Grouper | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Mycteroperca tigris | Mycteroperca microlepis |
| Also called | — | Gray grouper |
| Waters | Nearshore | Nearshore |
| Heaviest state record | 19.5 lb · Texas (2022) | 80.38 lb · Florida (1993) |
| On the table | Good; ciguatera caution on big Keys fish. | Excellent. |
| Rules of its own in | 5 states | 11 states |
Rules for
Every state, both fish
The two fish are regulated differently in 9 of 11 states with a rule for either. In Alabama, tiger grouper is No size limit, 4 per person within 4-grouper aggregate and gag grouper is 24 in total length minimum, 2 per person within 4-grouper aggregate. Call the fish wrong and you keep a short one or throw back a legal one.
| State | Tiger Grouper: size · bag · season | Gag Grouper: size · bag · season |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No size limit4 per person within 4-grouper aggregateOpen year-roundOpenAL MRD 2026 · likely · checked | 24 in total length minimum2 per person within 4-grouper aggregateState waters follow federal Gulf season: 2026 open Sept 1 - 30OpenAL MRD 2026 · checked |
| Florida (Atlantic) | No size limitWithin grouper aggregate (3 Atlantic / 4 Gulf)Open year-roundOpenFWC 2026 · likely · checked | 24 in TL min1 gag or black combined within 3-grouper aggregate; 2 per vessel2026 season May 1-Aug 1 (closed by executive order Aug 2)ClosedFWC 2026 · checked |
| Florida (Gulf) | No size limitWithin grouper aggregate (3 Atlantic / 4 Gulf)Open year-roundOpenFWC 2026 · likely · checked | 24 in TL min2 per person within 4-grouper aggregate2026 Gulf season: Sep 1-30OpenFWC 2026 · checked |
| Georgia | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 25 in total length2 per person per dayOpen year-roundOpenGA DNR CRD 2026 · checked |
| Louisiana | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 24 in total length4 per person in grouper aggregate, max 2 gagClosed Jan. 1–Aug. 31; open Sept. 1–Dec. 31, quota may close it earlyOpenLDWF 2026 · checked |
| Maryland | No size limit1 (all groupers combined)Open year-roundOpenMD DNR 2026 · likely · checked | No size limit1 (all groupers combined)Open year-roundOpenMD DNR 2026 · likely · checked |
| Mississippi | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 24 in total length minimum2 per personSep 1 – Sep 30, 2026OpenMS DMR 2026 · checked |
| North Carolina | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 24 in total length1 per day (gag or black grouper combined; max 2 per vessel), within 3-grouper aggregate2026 season May 1 – Aug 1; quota-closed Aug 2, 2026 through Apr 30, 2027ClosedFederal rule (South Atlantic federal waters)SAFMC / NOAA SERO 2026 · checked |
| South Carolina | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 24 in total length1/day gag or black grouper (not both), within 3-grouper aggregateOpen year-roundOpenSC DNR 2026 · checked |
| Texas | Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies. | 24 in total length2Open year-roundOpenTPWD 2026 · checked |
| Virginia | No size limit1 grouper per person (all grouper species combined)Open year-roundOpenVMRC 2026 · likely · checked | No size limit1 grouper per person (all grouper species combined)Open year-roundOpenVMRC 2026 · likely · checked |
In the app
Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, tiger grouper or gag grouper, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask
How do you tell tiger grouper from gag grouper?
Tiger Grouper: Slim reef grouper with oblique tiger bars sweeping down and back along the body. Gag Grouper: Box-shaped worm markings in gray marble; darker fins with white edge on the anal. Gag grouper, next to tiger grouper: gray marble, no oblique bars.
Which gets bigger, tiger grouper or gag grouper?
Gag Grouper. The heaviest state record we hold is 80.38 lb in Florida; the heaviest tiger grouper record is 19.5 lb in Texas.
Which is better to eat, tiger grouper or gag grouper?
Tiger Grouper: Good; ciguatera caution on big Keys fish. Gag Grouper: Excellent.
Do tiger grouper and gag grouper have the same limits?
Not everywhere. They differ in 9 state rulebooks. Alabama: tiger grouper No size limit, 4 per person within 4-grouper aggregate, gag grouper 24 in total length minimum, 2 per person within 4-grouper aggregate; Florida (Atlantic): tiger grouper No size limit, Within grouper aggregate (3 Atlantic / 4 Gulf), gag grouper 24 in TL min, 1 gag or black combined within 3-grouper aggregate; 2 per vessel; Florida (Gulf): tiger grouper No size limit, Within grouper aggregate (3 Atlantic / 4 Gulf), gag grouper 24 in TL min, 2 per person within 4-grouper aggregate; Georgia: tiger grouper no rule of its own, gag grouper 25 in total length, 2 per person per day; Louisiana: tiger grouper no rule of its own, gag grouper 24 in total length, 4 per person in grouper aggregate, max 2 gag; and more in the table on this page.