Dark brown to black in color, occasionally with an orange cast (Ref 5222); color in market is dark brown without distinguishing marks (Ref. 89707); Inside of this grouper's mouth ranges from light pink to crimson. Juveniles have a white border on the caudal fin (Ref. 37816); further characterized by having relatively deep body; greatest depth 2.1-2.4 in SL; width 2.3-2.8 times in depth (Ref. 89707); truncate caudal fin; longest pectoral rays fifth or sixth (Ref. 90102); head length 2.5-2.7 times in SL; convex interorbital area; dorsal head profile steep, straight or slightly concave along the snout and distinctly convex from eye to dorsal fin; preorbital depth 6.5-9.2 times in HL; finely serrate preopercle, fleshy lower edge; smooth subopercle and interopercle or with minute serrae; opercle with three flat spines, middle one closer to the lower spine; upper edge of operculum convex; posterior nostril round or oval; maxilla reaches past eye; ventro-posterior corner of maxilla with distinct bony protuberance; slender supramaxilla; small canine at front of jaws, none elsewhere; 2-4 rows of small slender teeth at side of lower jaw; presence of palatine teeth; well-developed scaly flap of skin joining upper pectoral-fin rays to body; pectoral fins asymmetrical; pelvic fins subequal to pectoral fins, reaching to or beyond anus; caudal fin with 8 branched rays and 9 procurrent rays in upper part and 7 branched rays and 8 procurrent rays in lower part; body scales ctenoid, with auxiliary scales (Ref. 89707).