Wreckfish look much like a very large black grouper but they are members of an entirely different family.  They can grow to over 200 lbs.  The ones we get weigh 20 to 45 lbs (pictured below).  They are ambush predators that hide in caves, crevices or shipwrecks (thus their name).  Their range extends from Georgia to Nova Scotia, but they are apparently found in commercial quantities only on the "Charleston Bump."

The fishery is sustainably managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council as part of its reef fish management plan (which includes numerous snapper and grouper species).  Only four vessels are allowed to participate in the fishery and each has an annual quota which can be caught anytime during the annual season which extends generally from early April through December providing us and other consumers with a relatively constant supply of top quality wreckfish throughout most of the year.

 Their white flesh is firm and succulent if properly prepared (cooked low and slow).