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Broomtail Grouper

Mycteroperca xenarcha

GrouperSaltwater4ftUp to 100 lbEdibility: GoodSport FishLong Range

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Gulf of California and Baja California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Found around rocky reefs and offshore islands in 30–200 feet. A large grouper species of the Eastern Pacific recognized by its distinctive broom-shaped tail margin.

Preferred Water Temperature: 64°F–78°F. A Pacific reef grouper found around rocky bottom and offshore island environments in cool to warm tropical water.

Size & Weight: Typically 10–50 lbs. Trophy fish exceed 100 lbs. World record: 105 lbs. A large, heavy-bodied grouper with a distinctive ragged tail. Excellent table fare — one of the most prized grouper species on the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America.

Best Lures: Large vertical jigs dropped to the base of rocky structure produce strikes. Heavy swimbaits work near bottom. Large bucktail jigs tipped with cut squid are effective.

Best Baits: Large live fish are the premier bait. Whole fresh squid produce consistent results. Large cut baits of any fresh fish work well. Bottom rigs with heavy leaders near rocky structure are standard. 50–80 lb tackle is appropriate.

Range

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Gulf of California and Baja California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Found around rocky reefs and offshore islands in 30–200 feet. A large grouper species of the Eastern Pacific recognized by its distinctive broom-shaped tail margin.

Habitat

Broomtail Grouper inhabit rocky reefs, boulder fields, and steep drop-offs in the Eastern Pacific, typically at depths between 30 and 200 feet. They favor areas with complex structure including caves, crevices, and ledges that provide ambush points for hunting prey. Adults are generally found in deeper water along offshore islands and seamounts, while juveniles may occur in shallower rocky areas closer to shore. These groupers prefer clear, warm tropical and subtropical waters with strong currents that bring baitfish and invertebrates. They are solitary and territorial, often claiming a specific cave or overhang as a home base from which they make short foraging excursions. The species thrives in areas with abundant reef fish populations and good water clarity, which allows them to visually hunt their prey.

How to Catch Broomtail Grouper

Equipment

64°F–78°F. A Pacific reef grouper found around rocky bottom and offshore island environments in cool to warm tropical water.

Tackle & Bait

Best Lures:
Large vertical jigs dropped to the base of rocky structure produce strikes. Heavy swimbaits work near bottom. Large bucktail jigs tipped with cut squid are effective.

Best Baits:
Large live fish are the premier bait. Whole fresh squid produce consistent results. Large cut baits of any fresh fish work well. Bottom rigs with heavy leaders near rocky structure are standard. 50–80 lb tackle is appropriate.

Game Qualities

Typically 10–50 lbs. Trophy fish exceed 100 lbs. World record: 105 lbs. A large, heavy-bodied grouper with a distinctive ragged tail. Excellent table fare — one of the most prized grouper species on the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America.

Taxonomy

kingdom	Animalia
phylum	Chordata
class	Actinopterygii
order	Perciformes
family	Serranidae
genus	Mycteroperca
species	Mycteroperca xenarcha

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