Angelfish vs Goliath Grouper
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Epinephelus itajara
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Goliath Grouper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Epinephelus itajara |
| Order | Cichliformes | Perciformes/Serranoidei |
| Family | Cichlidae | Epinephelidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Goliath Grouper |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 250.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 363.0 kg |
| Color | Silver to pale gold body with four bold black vertical bars including one through the eye; tall triangular dorsal and ventral fins are translucent silver; domesticated forms include gold, black, and marbled variants. | Yellow-brown to olive-green body densely covered with small dark brown spots and irregular blotches; 3–4 faint pale vertical bands on the flanks; juveniles show bolder contrasting yellow and black stripes. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Goliath Grouper |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 0-100m |
| Geographic Range | Native to the Amazon River basin and associated river systems in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. Inhabits densely vegetated floodplain swamps, flooded igapó forests, and slow … | Tropical western Atlantic from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico through the Caribbean Sea to Brazil, and eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California to … |
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers and flooded forests of the Amazon basin, particularly white-water and clear-water rivers. Warm water (24-30°C); inhabits areas with submerged vegetation and driftwood. | Neritic, coral reefs, estuaries |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Goliath Grouper |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | — |
| Temperature | 24-28 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | — |
| Care Level | Moderate | — |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Angelfish | Goliath Grouper |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Angelfish
Not consumed — a graceful ornamental cichlid valued for its triangular body shape and striking vertical banding; widely kept in freshwater community tanks.
Goliath Grouper
Firm, flaky white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor; harvest is heavily restricted or banned throughout most of its range due to Vulnerable status. Catch-and-release strongly encouraged.
Species Overview
Angelfish
The freshwater angelfish is a majestic cichlid with a laterally compressed body and long, flowing dorsal and anal fins. Native to the Amazon basin, it has been selectively bred into numerous color varieties including marble, koi, and platinum.
Goliath Grouper
The goliath grouper is the largest grouper in the Atlantic Ocean. This massive reef dweller can swallow prey whole and produces a distinctive booming sound by contracting its swim bladder to ward off intruders.