Description

Also known as Black Bass, Cod, Coral Cod, Esonue Cod, Giant Grouper, Giant Sea Bass, Goliath Grouper, Hamlet, Hind, Itajara, Jewfish, Reef Cod, Rockcod, Trout.

Found singly over coral, mud, and rock bottoms, usually in shallow, inshore waters of coastlines and estuaries. Territorial when close to its refuge, in caves and wrecks!
They feed on crustaceans, fish, octopus, sea turtles, small sharks, spiny lobsters, and stingrays.
Juveniles found in brackish estuaries and mangroves.
Length - 250cm
Depth - 0-100m
Widespread Western Atlantic

Large individuals have been known to stalk and attack divers!
This is the largest of the grouper family.

Groupers are solitary carnivores that hunt near the bottom usually at dusk. Food is drawn into their mouths by a powerful suction when they open their overly large mouths and then swallowed whole.
Spawning is seasonal and controlled by the moons phase. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/16