Goliath Grouper vs Smallmouth Bass
Epinephelus itajara compared with Micropterus dolomieu
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Smallmouth Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epinephelus itajara | Micropterus dolomieu |
| Order | Perciformes/Serranoidei | Centrarchiformes |
| Family | Epinephelidae | Centrarchidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Smallmouth Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 250.0 cm | 69.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 363.0 kg | 5.4 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. | Bronze-green to golden-brown body with 13–15 irregular dark brown vertical bars or blotches on the flanks; red-orange eyes; belly pale cream; dark brown radiating lines from eye to snout. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Smallmouth Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 1-7m |
| 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 … | Native to the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes drainage south through the Ohio River system and upper Mississippi basin. Prefers clear, cool, rocky streams … |
| Habitat | Neritic, coral reefs, estuaries | Clear, cool rivers and streams of eastern North America from the Great Lakes to Tennessee. Prefers rocky and gravelly substrate in moderate to fast current. … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Smallmouth Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| 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.
Smallmouth Bass
Clean, white, mildly flavored flesh with low fat; considered slightly firmer and more flavorful than largemouth bass. Excellent pan-fried or baked; a respected table fish in the Great Lakes region.
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.
Smallmouth Bass
The smallmouth bass is widely considered the best-fighting freshwater fish pound-for-pound. Found in clear, rocky streams and lakes, it is more athletic and acrobatic than its larger cousin, the largemouth bass.