Goliath Grouper vs Great White Shark
Epinephelus itajara compared with Carcharodon carcharias
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epinephelus itajara | Carcharodon carcharias |
| Order | Perciformes/Serranoidei | Lamniformes |
| Family | Epinephelidae | Lamnidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 250.0 cm | 600.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 363.0 kg | 1905.0 kg |
| Color | 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. | Classic countershaded coloration: slate-gray to charcoal-brown dorsal surface with a sharply defined boundary to a pure white ventral surface; pectoral fin tips dusky to black. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 0-1280m |
| Geographic Range | 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 … | Cosmopolitan in cool to warm coastal and offshore waters of all major oceans. Key aggregation sites include South Africa, California, South Australia, and New Zealand. … |
| Habitat | Neritic, coral reefs, estuaries | Neritic, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | — |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
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.
Great White Shark
Edible but rarely consumed; flesh requires careful handling to remove ammonia. Consumption is strongly discouraged — this species is Vulnerable and protected in many jurisdictions.
Species Overview
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.
Great White Shark
The great white shark is the world's largest predatory fish. Found in coastal surface waters of all major oceans, it can detect a single drop of blood in 100 liters of water. Despite its fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are rare.