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Atlantic Goliath Grouper

This grouper is certainly a goliath — this fish is the largest species of grouper in the Atlantic Ocean, typically weighing around 362 kilograms (800 pounds) and measuring up to 2.4 meters (8 feet) long.

 

The Atlantic goliath grouper is primarily found in shallow, inshore, tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys, Bahamas, throughout most of the Caribbean, and along the Brazilian coast. Less commonly, it has been caught off the coast of New England and can be found in some areas off the coast of Africa. This grouper can be distinguished by its large size, wide head, and robust body that can range from muddy yellow to grayish green in color, covered with small black spots.

The Atlantic goliath grouper has been observed to be a generally solitary species outside of mating season, and typically stays in or around its home, which typically consists of a cave or wreck. While they can occur around natural and artificial coral reefs, they are most abundant around rocky reefs. Atlantic goliath groupers are known to be territorial of their home, which they demonstrate by opening and closing their jaw and shaking their body. Larger individuals have been reported to stalk and attack divers.

To reproduce, Atlantic goliath groupers will travel to inshore spawning aggregation sites, which typically are near wrecks or natural sites that it excavates to be fit for use. Adults have been documented to travel up to 500 kilometers (310.7 miles) to spawning sites. Aggregations typically consist of around 150 individuals or less. Juvenile Atlantic goliath groupers are typically found in mangroves, but also have been found in seagrass beds, tide pools, and around jetties and docks — but then return to mangrove habitats at low tide. These groupers have a broad diet, ranging from crustaceans–particularly spiny lobsters — fish, juvenile sea turtles, and even stingrays.

 

 

The Atlantic goliath grouper is primarily threatened by human-caused threats such as overfishing, habitat loss, and the ongoing climate crisis — all of which have contributed to its status as a Vulnerable Species on the IUCN Red List. The Atlantic goliath grouper is overfished as a prized game catch, while the mangroves that juveniles live in are being reduced by development, and severe weather caused by the climate crisis has impacted populations.

 

 

Oceana works to protect wildlife like the Atlantic goliath grouper by campaigning to protect ocean habitats, end overfishing, and urging world leaders to carry out their commitment to protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030. Additionally, one of the greatest threats to coral reefs is the human-caused climate crisis, which is another issue Oceana campaigns against. Take action today by urging world leaders to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030 and to fight the climate crisis on a global scale. 

 

 

IUCN Red List  

FishBase 

NOAA

 

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