Goliath groupers navigate to an annual spawning for breeding, the season and location varies depending on the population. It is also found in the eastern Atlantic from Senegal to Congo, and in the eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California in Mexico south to Peru. The Goliath grouper occurs in Atlantic waters from Florida to Brazil, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Groupers are generally a friendly species and can be found patrolling artificial and coral reefs alike, primarily in shallow tropical waters. Physically, the groupers average around 400 pounds and they have been recorded to live up to 37 years for males and 26 years for females. Swimming up next to one of these giants, you will first be struck by the normalcy of their grouper “look” - albeit in a much larger size than you may have expected! Their skin is a mottled mix of greens, tans, and deep browns or black depending on their diet. Learn more about the Goliath grouper and its key role in the ocean ecosystem. Today, the populations of these massive groupers are on an upswing due to dedicated educational programs and their inclusion in protected marine areas such as Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. What if during your next dive you came face-to-face with a 10-foot long, 700+ pound Goliath grouper? These gentle giants, also known as Epinephelus itajara, are a critically endangered species due to overfishing in the past. Swimming through the stunning waters of the Florida Keys is always an amazing experience.
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