Brownish gray in color with dark, worm-like side markings. Fins are dark, with anal and caudal fins having a white margin. Lack of brassy spots as found on black grouper. Slightly concave tail. Noticeable spur located on the preopercle. Has 11 to 14 rays in the anal fins. They lack the streamer-points on the tail fin that scamp and yellowmouth grouper have and lack the yellow color in and near their mouths. Fins and body are lighter in color than the black grouper.