Goliath Grouper vs Greater Amberjack
Epinephelus itajara compared with Seriola dumerili
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epinephelus itajara | Seriola dumerili |
| Order | Perciformes/Serranoidei | Carangiformes |
| Family | Epinephelidae | Carangidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 250.0 cm | 200.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 363.0 kg | 80.6 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. | Olive-green to bluish back with a wide amber to golden-yellow mid-lateral stripe running from eye to tail; silvery-white belly; a dark diagonal stripe extends from snout through the eye to the dorsal fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 1-385m |
| 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 … | Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters including the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Commonly found around deepwater reefs, rocky outcrops, and offshore oil … |
| Habitat | Neritic, coral reefs, estuaries | Pelagic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | 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.
Greater Amberjack
Firm, rich flesh with a moderately strong flavor; can carry parasites in tropical waters, requiring thorough cooking. Good grilled or baked; related to the highly prized Japanese hamachi.
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.
Greater Amberjack
The greater amberjack is the largest of the jacks, known for brutal head-shaking fights and powerful dives toward structure. Found near reefs, wrecks, and offshore platforms in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.