Goliath Grouper
Family Serranidae, SEA BASSES AND GROUPER
Epinephelus itajara
Illustration and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles
Illustrations are for viewing purposes only.
Description: head and fins covered with small black spots; irregular dark and vertical bars present on the sides of body; pectoral and caudal fins rounded; first dorsal fin shorter than and not separated from second dorsal; adults huge, up to 800 pounds; eyes small.
Similar Fish: other grouper.
Where found: NEARSHORE often around docks, in deep holes, and on ledges; young often occur in estuaries, especially around oyster bars; more abundant in southern Florida than in northern waters.
Size: largest of the groupers.
Remarks: spawns over summer months; lifespan of 30 to 50 years; feeds on crustaceans and fish.
NOTE: Harvest of Goliath grouper, commonly called jewfish, is prohibited in Federal waters.
