Goliath Grouper

Epinephelus itajara

Vulnerable Saltwater

Max Length

250.0 cm

Max Weight

363.0 kg

Color

Yellow-brown to olive-green body densely …

Depth Range

0-100m

Family

Serranidae

About

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.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	250.0 cm
Maximum Weight	363.0 kg
Depth Range	0-100m

Coloration

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.

Habitat & Distribution

Neritic, coral reefs, estuaries

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

0-100m

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 Peru. Congregates in shallow reef habitats, mangroves, and rocky ledges.

{# Distribution Map — SVG world map highlighting countries where the fish is found. Expects: distribution_country_codes (JSON array of ISO alpha-2 codes) #}

Conservation Status

Vulnerable IUCN Red List

Goliath Grouper is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Goliath Grouper faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

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.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

9/5

Recommended Bait

live bait, mullet, jacks

Taxonomy

Order	Perciformes (Perch-like fishes)
Family	Serranidae (Sea basses and groupers)
Species	Epinephelus itajara

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
Arabic	هامور أطلسي عملاق
Chinese (Simplified)	伊氏石斑魚
French	Mérou géant de l'Atlantique
Japanese	イタヤラ
Korean	대서양골리앗참바리
Portuguese	Mero
Russian	Атлантический гигантский групер
Spanish	Mero gigante del Atlántico
Vietnamese	Cá mú khổng lồ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat 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.

How big does Goliath Grouper get?

Goliath Grouper can grow up to 250.0 cm long and weigh 363.0 kg.

Where is Goliath Grouper found?

Is Goliath Grouper endangered?

The conservation status of Goliath Grouper is Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Goliath Grouper belong to?

Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) belongs to the family Serranidae (Sea basses and groupers) in the order Perciformes (Perch-like fishes).