Goliath Grouper vs Summer Flounder
Epinephelus itajara compared with Paralichthys dentatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epinephelus itajara | Paralichthys dentatus |
| Order | Perciformes/Serranoidei | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Epinephelidae | Paralichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 250.0 cm | 94.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 363.0 kg | 12.0 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. | Eyed side is brownish to gray-green with a mottled pattern of pale blotches; 12–14 distinct pale-edged dark ocelli (eyespots) scattered across the body; blind side is plain white; color changes with substrate. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 10-183m |
| 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 Nova Scotia south to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Undertakes seasonal offshore migration to deeper Continental Shelf waters in … |
| Habitat | Neritic, coral reefs, estuaries | Neritic, demersal, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Goliath Grouper | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | 4/10 |
| 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.
Summer Flounder
Thin, delicate white fillets with a sweet, mild flavor and very low fat. Prized on the U.S. East Coast; superb pan-fried in butter, stuffed and baked, or prepared as ceviche.
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.
Summer Flounder
The summer flounder, or fluke, is a flatfish that lies camouflaged on the ocean floor. Born with eyes on both sides, one eye migrates to the left side during development. An ambush predator, it explodes upward to grab passing prey.