Goliath Grouper vs Mahi-mahi
Epinephelus itajara compared with Coryphaena hippurus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epinephelus itajara | Coryphaena hippurus |
| Order | Perciformes/Serranoidei | Carangiformes |
| Family | Epinephelidae | Coryphaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 250.0 cm | 210.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 363.0 kg | 40.0 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. | Dazzling iridescent blue-green and gold flanks; males have a blunt squared-off head; flanks flicker golden-yellow to electric blue when alive, fading to dull gray-green at death. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 0-85m |
| 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 … | Worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceanic waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Highly pelagic; gathers around floating sargassum mats, current lines, and thermocline … |
| Habitat | Neritic, coral reefs, estuaries | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| 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.
Mahi-mahi
Firm, slightly sweet flesh with large, moist flakes and low fat. Excellent grilled, blackened Cajun-style, or in tacos; one of the most popular sport fish for the table.
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.
Mahi-mahi
The mahi-mahi, also known as dorado or dolphinfish, is among the most colorful pelagic fish in the ocean. Its iridescent blue, green, and gold body fades rapidly after death. It is a fast-growing species, rarely living beyond five years.