Common name: Atlantic goliath grouper
General information
The Goliath Grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus itajara, is a large saltwater fish that commands attention due to its impressive size and presence. It is one of the largest members of the sea bass family, capable of growing over 8 feet in length and weighing up to 800 pounds. The Goliath Grouper is easily recognizable by its broad head, round tail, and mottled brownish-yellow or greyish coloration. Juveniles have distinct dark vertical bands that fade as they mature.
Historically, this species was known as the 'Jewfish', a term that has fallen out of favor due to cultural sensitivity. Itajara is another common name derived from its Brazilian Portuguese name.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 30,000 liter (7,900 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 2.5 m (8′2″)
- Care level
- Very difficult
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- No
- Aggression
- Aggresive
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesAtlantic goliath grouperEpinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822)
- SynonymsEpinephalus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822)Promicrops ditobo Roux & Collignon, 1954Promicrops esonue Ehrenbaum, 1915Promicrops itaiara (Lichtenstein, 1822)Serranus galeus Müller & Troschel, 1848Serranus guasa Poey, 1860Serranus itajara Lichtenstein, 1822Serranus mentzelii Valenciennes, 1828
Care
Due to their enormous size and conservation status, Goliath Groupers are not suitable for home aquariums. They require very large systems that can accommodate their size and long-term growth, which is beyond the scope of most hobbyists. Moreover, they are a protected species in many regions, making their possession and trade illegal.
Reproduction
Goliath Groupers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they first mature as females and have the ability to change to males later in life. They form spawning aggregations in the summer months, often returning to the same locations annually. Conservation efforts are critical for this species as their populations have been severely depleted in the past due to overfishing.
Habitat
The Goliath Grouper is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the eastern coast of Brazil. They inhabit various marine environments such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, often residing in shallow waters up to depths of around 150 feet. Juveniles tend to stay in more protected areas like estuaries and mangrove swamps before moving to open habitats as they grow.