Species profile
Atlantic Goliath Grouper
Epinephelus itajara
At a glance
Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is an IUCN Vulnerable bony-fish species regulated in 6 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 365 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Florida.
Listed under MSA — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- Can reach over 8 feet long and weigh more than 800 pounds.
- Has been protected from harvest in U.S. federal waters since 1990.
- Juveniles depend on coastal mangrove estuaries as critical nursery habitat.
- Produces a loud booming sound by rapidly contracting muscles around its swim bladder.
- Can live more than 37 years.
Where Atlantic Goliath Grouper are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Atlantic Goliath Grouper
Protected status
- No harvest in US federal waters (Atlantic + Gulf of Mexico).
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The Atlantic goliath grouper or itajara, historically known as the jewfish, is a saltwater fish of the grouper family and one of the largest species of bony fish. The species can be found in the West Atlantic ranging from northeastern Florida, south throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and along South America to Brazil. In the East Pacific it ranges from Mexico to Peru. In the…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Atlantic Goliath Grouper article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.