Fish Identification Photos: Flag Cabrilla, Starry Grouper, Epinephelus labriformis: The Flag Cabrilla is characterized by its olive-green to reddish brown body, various sized, irregular white spots, and blotches throughout. It has eleven dorsal spines and has soft fins that have a red at the edges, and rounded caudal and anal fins.

The Flag Cabrilla reaches 20 inches in length and 5 pounds, although 12-inch, 3-pound models are most common, and is found over reefs at a depth of less than 100 feet. It is a solitary predator and feeds around the clock primarily on crustaceans at night and on small fishes during the day.

The Flag Cabrilla is a member of the Serrandae or Sea Bass and Grouper Family. In Mexico, the Flag Cabrilla is found in all Mexican waters south of Magdalena Bay on the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, throughout the Sea of Cortez (being most abundant in the upper Gulf), along all parts of coastal mainland Mexico south to Guatemala, and around all oceanic islands. It is easy to catch and considered to be an excellent food fish.

Flag Cabrilla, Epinephelus labriformis: Both fish caught with Captain Pata in the panga Salome, La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, midmorning in December 2001, in 76-degree, 50 to 100-foot deep water, utilizing a 30-pound test, 40 pound, two dropper loop rig, with swivel, 3-ounce bank sinker, and Mustad 92553 hooks, size 2/0, on a live sardina, 10 miles north of La Playita. Size approximately 10 inches and 1 pound. A fairly abundant species during the winter months. Viewed by locals as a component of soup. Can also be caught from shore. Description and photo courtesy John Snow. Flag Cabrilla, Epinephelus labriformis: Caught off La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo courtesy Gene Kira.