Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara)

Scientific name: Epinephelus itajara Lichtenstein, 1822

Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara)

The Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is a brackish-water fish of the family Serranidae.

Biology

A solitary species occurring in shallow, inshore areas. Found on rock, coral, or mud bottoms. Juveniles found in mangrove areas and brackish estuaries. Large adults may be found in estuaries. Adults appear to occupy limited home ranges with little inter-reef movement. Feeds primarily on crustaceans, particularly spiny lobsters as well as turtles and fishes, including stingrays. Territorial near it's refuge cave or wreck where it may show a threat display with open mouth and quivering body. Larger individuals have been known to stalk and attempt to eat divers. Over-fished, primarily by spear fishing. Marketed fresh and salted. Meat is of excellent quality. Important game fish. Reported to reach weights of more than 315 kg.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Epinephelus itajara
Family
Serranidae (Sea basses: groupers and fairy basslets)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
250
Common length
150
Depth range
100 m (328 ft)
Environment
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range ? - 100 m, usually ? - 46 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Western Atlantic: Florida, USA to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Eastern Atlantic: Senegal to Congo (reported as Epinephelus esonue, ); rare in Canary Islands. Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Peru.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered (CR) (A2d), IUCN Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group
Threat to humans
Traumatogenic
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.13; tm=5.5-6.5)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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