Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Epinephelus itajara
- Common name
- Atlantic goliath grouper
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Epinephelidae
- Genus
- Epinephelus
- Size
- 100–250 cm
- Depth
- 5–100 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, coral-reef, cave
- Behaviours
- solitary, predator
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific
Description
Epinephelus itajara reaches 2.5 m and 400 kg, largest Atlantic grouper and one of the largest worldwide. Massive stocky olive-brown to dark gray-brown body with small dark spots. Amphi-Atlantic distribution (Caribbean, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and tropical East Atlantic: Senegal, Mauritania). Listed VU by IUCN following severe historical overfishing, total protection in Florida since 1990 (recovering populations). Lives from 5 to 100 m on wrecks, caves and rocky/coral reefs. Apex predator. Spectacular Florida spawning aggregations. Iconic encounters at Jupiter Inlet, West African coast.
Photo of Atlantic goliath grouper
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Atlantic goliath grouper?
- Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) reaches 100–250 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Atlantic goliath grouper?
- Atlantic goliath grouper is found between 5–100 m deep.
- Is the Atlantic goliath grouper dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Atlantic goliath grouper?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Atlantic goliath grouper?
- Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Epinephelus
- Epinephelus marginatus - Dusky grouper
- Epinephelus striatus - Nassau grouper
- Epinephelus fasciatus - Blacktip grouper
- Epinephelus costae - Golden grouper
- Epinephelus labriformis - Starry grouper
- Epinephelus goreensis - Dungat grouper
Other species in the family Epinephelidae
- Cephalopholis fulva - Coney
- Cephalopholis cruentata - Graysby
- Mycteroperca tigris - Tiger grouper
- Mycteroperca venenosa - Yellowfin grouper
- Mycteroperca fusca - Island grouper
- Mycteroperca rosacea - Leopard grouper
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 159353)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2388456)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia