Atlantic Goliath Grouper
Epinephelus itajara
- Group: Grouper
- Typical depth: 0–100 m
- Max size: 2.5 m
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: VU
The goliath grouper can reach two and a half metres and hundreds of kilos, holding a small home range over reef, rock or mud and rarely straying far. It ambushes crabs and fish with a cavernous mouth, and will produce a low booming sound to warn off intruders, divers included. Decades of overfishing left it vulnerable, and it is now protected across much of its range.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Perciformes › Epinephelidae › Epinephelus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 159353.
FAQ
- How deep does the Atlantic Goliath Grouper live?
- The Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is typically found at 0–100 m.
- Is the Atlantic Goliath Grouper dangerous to divers?
- The Atlantic Goliath Grouper can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Atlantic Goliath Grouper get?
- The Atlantic Goliath Grouper grows to about 2.5 m.