Common names
Jewfish, Itajara
Goliath grouper
Epinephelus itajara
- Saltwater
- Vulnerable
Max length98.5 in
Common length59 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight1003 lb 2 oz
Depth range0 - 328 ft
Max age37 years
Water typeSaltwater
Water temperature72 - 82 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Goliath grouper are the largest members of the sea bass family in the Atlantic Ocean. The species ranges in colouration from brownish-yellow to grey to greenish and has small black dots on the head, body and fins. Individuals less than 1 meter (3.28 feet) in length have 3 to 4 faint vertical bars present on their sides. The species has an elongated body with a broad, flat head and small eyes. The lower jaw has 3 to 5 rows of teeth with no front canines. The scales are ctenoid. The dorsal fins are continuous with the rays of the soft dorsal fin being longer than the spines of the first dorsal fin.
Habitat
Adult individuals are typically found in rocky reefs, wrecks, artificial reefs, and oil platforms. The species can also be found in coral reef habitats, but are much more abundant in rocky reef environments. Juveniles mainly inhabit mangrove environments, but can also be found in holes and under ledges of swift tidal creeks that drain mangroves.
Distribution
In the western Atlantic, its range includes the Florida Keys in the US, the Bahamas, most of the Caribbean and most of the Brazilian coast. In the east, the species ranges in West Africa from Senegal to Cabinda. In the west Pacific, it ranges from Mexico to Peru.
Behaviour
Opportunistic predators feed mostly on slow-moving, bottom-associated species. Calico crabs make up the majority of their diet, with other invertebrate species and fish filling in the rest. Will occasionally feed on fish that are struggling on a fishing line, but they have not been shown to actively hunt down fast, free-swimming fish such as snappers and groupers.
Edibility
Grouper are known for having a very mild flavour. The trouble with the fish is that the older and larger it gets, the tougher the meat gets. They are known to contain high levels of mercury which can be harmful.
Lure suggestion
Groupers live very deep, therefore the lure must be suitable for deep-water trolling; lures like butterfly jigs, feathers, or anything which can mimic a shellfish can attract a goliath grouper and is very effective. Good bait: squid, chub mackerel, pinfish, blue runners, white mullet, squirrelfish, grunts, sardine, white crab, or octopus pieces.
Similar species
Other similar species
Warsaw grouper, H. nigritus (dorsal spines at varying heights)