Atlantic Goliath Grouper
Epinephelus itajara
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
- Black Bass
- Cod
- Coral Cod
- Esonue Cod
- Giant Grouper
- Giant Sea Bass
- Goliath Grouper
- Hamlet
- Hind
- Itajara
- Jewfish
- Reef Cod
- Rockcod
- Trout
Overview
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!
Juveniles found in brackish estuaries and mangroves.
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.
How to identify
- Pattern
- blotches
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Atlantic
- Country only · 6
Found singly over coral, mud, and rock bottoms, usually in shallow, inshore waters of coastlines and estuaries.
Adult photos 6
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