Incidence of xanthism in the leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea (Perciformes: Serranidae) in the Gulf of California

Five leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea specimens were captured in the Gulf of California, two of which presented a rare orange pigmentation on both sides of the body. The remaining individuals presented changes to the normal pigmentation pattern on the left or right flanks. The possible causes of these phenomena are discussed.