Uploaded September 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This dive was an unforgettable experience. Being underwater with these enormous creatures, I quickly realized how fitting their name was. The goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), also known as jewfish is a large saltwater fish found primarily in shallow tropical waters in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean and most of the Brazilian coast. Adults are usually around 400 lbs but can weigh as much as 790 lbs and reach up to 8.2 ft!
Considered of fine food quality, goliath groupers were highly sought-after by fishermen. They are a relatively easy prey for spear fishermen because of their inquisitive and generally fearless nature. They also tend to spawn in large aggregations, returning annually to the same locations. This makes them particularly vulnerable to mass harvesting while breeding.
Until a harvest ban was placed on the species, its population was in rapid decline. The fish is now protected from harvest and is recognized as a critically endangered species by the IUCN. The US began protection in 1990, and the Caribbean in 1993. Given their slow growth rate, some time will be needed for populations to rebound.
This dive was an unforgettable experience. Being underwater with these enormous creatures, I quickly realized how fitting their name was. The goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), also known as jewfish is a large saltwater fish found primarily in shallow tropical waters in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean and most of the Brazilian coast. Adults are usually around 400 lbs but can weigh as much as 790 lbs and reach up to 8.2 ft!
Considered of fine food quality, goliath groupers were highly sought-after by fishermen. They are a relatively easy prey for spear fishermen because of their inquisitive and generally fearless nature. They also tend to spawn in large aggregations, returning annually to the same locations. This makes them particularly vulnerable to mass harvesting while breeding.
Until a harvest ban was placed on the species, its population was in rapid decline. The fish is now protected from harvest and is recognized as a critically endangered species by the IUCN. The US began protection in 1990, and the Caribbean in 1993. Given their slow growth rate, some time will be needed for populations to rebound.
