Coral Reef
Grouper
More details
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Pro
Pro
Description
The Atlantic Goliath Grouper is one of the largest reef fish in the Atlantic Ocean, reaching up to 800 pounds. With its massive size, mottled camouflage, and booming vocalizations, it plays a vital role in reef ecosystems—and in marine conservation education.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Support protections against overfishing, avoid spear-fishing juveniles, and respect dive zones. These fish are protected for a reason.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Overfished historically; populations are recovering under strict protections. Still vulnerable to illegal harvest and habitat loss.
Origin
Native to the western Atlantic—from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. Most common around mangroves, wrecks, and reef drop-offs.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bulky body, mottled brown-and-yellow skin, and distinct facial lines. Their sheer size and confidence around divers make them a favorite for underwater photography and ecotourism.
Purpose
As apex reef predators, they control populations of spiny lobsters, octopuses, and slow-moving fish. Their presence signals a healthy reef structure and contributes to reef trophic balance.
Importance
Decimated by overfishing in the 20th century, Goliath Groupers have become symbols of marine conservation success. Their protected status helps restore ecological integrity in reef systems.
Included Resources
Only housed in large public aquariums or research institutions. Require massive tanks with stable temperatures, high oxygenation, and complex hiding structures.
Best Use Cases
Public aquariums, diving preserves, marine conservation zones, and reef documentary features. Not suitable for private aquaria under any circumstances.
Conservation Context
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. U.S. waters enforce strict catch limits or full protections. Juvenile habitat degradation (especially mangrove removal) threatens long-term recovery.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• No tankmates in captivity—usually housed alone
• In the wild, coexist with snapper, jacks, nurse sharks, and sea turtles
Region (A)
• Latitude: 25.7617° N
• Longitude: -80.1918° W
(Miami, Florida – mangrove estuary and coastal reefs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.0543° S
• Longitude: -34.8813° W
(Recife, Brazil – coral reef systems and shallow wrecks)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Support protections against overfishing, avoid spear-fishing juveniles, and respect dive zones. These fish are protected for a reason.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Overfished historically; populations are recovering under strict protections. Still vulnerable to illegal harvest and habitat loss.
Origin
Native to the western Atlantic—from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. Most common around mangroves, wrecks, and reef drop-offs.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bulky body, mottled brown-and-yellow skin, and distinct facial lines. Their sheer size and confidence around divers make them a favorite for underwater photography and ecotourism.
Purpose
As apex reef predators, they control populations of spiny lobsters, octopuses, and slow-moving fish. Their presence signals a healthy reef structure and contributes to reef trophic balance.
Importance
Decimated by overfishing in the 20th century, Goliath Groupers have become symbols of marine conservation success. Their protected status helps restore ecological integrity in reef systems.
Included Resources
Only housed in large public aquariums or research institutions. Require massive tanks with stable temperatures, high oxygenation, and complex hiding structures.
Best Use Cases
Public aquariums, diving preserves, marine conservation zones, and reef documentary features. Not suitable for private aquaria under any circumstances.
Conservation Context
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. U.S. waters enforce strict catch limits or full protections. Juvenile habitat degradation (especially mangrove removal) threatens long-term recovery.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• No tankmates in captivity—usually housed alone
• In the wild, coexist with snapper, jacks, nurse sharks, and sea turtles
Region (A)
• Latitude: 25.7617° N
• Longitude: -80.1918° W
(Miami, Florida – mangrove estuary and coastal reefs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.0543° S
• Longitude: -34.8813° W
(Recife, Brazil – coral reef systems and shallow wrecks)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Support protections against overfishing, avoid spear-fishing juveniles, and respect dive zones. These fish are protected for a reason.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Overfished historically; populations are recovering under strict protections. Still vulnerable to illegal harvest and habitat loss.
Origin
Native to the western Atlantic—from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. Most common around mangroves, wrecks, and reef drop-offs.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bulky body, mottled brown-and-yellow skin, and distinct facial lines. Their sheer size and confidence around divers make them a favorite for underwater photography and ecotourism.
Purpose
As apex reef predators, they control populations of spiny lobsters, octopuses, and slow-moving fish. Their presence signals a healthy reef structure and contributes to reef trophic balance.
Importance
Decimated by overfishing in the 20th century, Goliath Groupers have become symbols of marine conservation success. Their protected status helps restore ecological integrity in reef systems.
Included Resources
Only housed in large public aquariums or research institutions. Require massive tanks with stable temperatures, high oxygenation, and complex hiding structures.
Best Use Cases
Public aquariums, diving preserves, marine conservation zones, and reef documentary features. Not suitable for private aquaria under any circumstances.
Conservation Context
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. U.S. waters enforce strict catch limits or full protections. Juvenile habitat degradation (especially mangrove removal) threatens long-term recovery.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• No tankmates in captivity—usually housed alone
• In the wild, coexist with snapper, jacks, nurse sharks, and sea turtles
Region (A)
• Latitude: 25.7617° N
• Longitude: -80.1918° W
(Miami, Florida – mangrove estuary and coastal reefs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.0543° S
• Longitude: -34.8813° W
(Recife, Brazil – coral reef systems and shallow wrecks)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Region
Drag and orbit around the species’ natural range.
Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.
Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.
People also like…
