Mero

Epinephelus itajara

Vulnerable Saltwater

Comprimento Máximo

250,0 cm

Peso Máximo

363,0 kg

Cor

Yellow-brown to olive-green body densely …

Faixa de Profundidade

0-100m

Família

Serranidae

Categoria

Sport Fish

Sobre

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
Faixa de Profundidade	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

Tipo de Água

Saltwater

Faixa de Profundidade

0-100m

Distribuição Geográfica

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.

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Conservation Status

Vulnerable IUCN Red List

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

Mero faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Comestibilidade e Culinária

Sabor

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.

Informações de Pesca

Peixe Esportivo

Sim

Classificação de Resistência

9/5

Isca Recomendada

live bait, mullet, jacks

Taxonomy

Ordem	Perciformes (Perch-like fishes)
Família	Serranidae (Sea basses and groupers)
Espécies	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

Perguntas Frequentes

Can you eat Mero?

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 Mero get?

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

Where is Mero found?

Is Mero endangered?

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

What family does Mero belong to?

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