Goliath Grouper vs Red Drum
Epinephelus itajara compared with Sciaenops ocellatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epinephelus itajara | Sciaenops ocellatus |
| Order | Perciformes/Serranoidei | Perciformes |
| Family | Epinephelidae | Sciaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 250.0 cm | 155.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 363.0 kg | 45.0 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. | Coppery-bronze to reddish-orange flanks with a characteristic black eyespot at the upper tail base; back is darker bronze-olive; belly pale to silvery; fins match body tone with dusky margins. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 10-?m |
| 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 … | Western North Atlantic from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Adults favor open nearshore reefs and coastal surf zones while juveniles inhabit … |
| Habitat | Neritic, coral reefs, estuaries | Estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Red Drum
Firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and moderate fat; smaller fish (under 27 inches) are the best table size. Famous as 'blackened redfish' — a Louisiana Cajun culinary classic.
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.
Red Drum
The red drum, or redfish, is an iconic inshore game fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Identified by the distinctive black spot at the base of its tail, it feeds by tipping head-down in shallow water, exposing its copper-colored tail.