Goliath Grouper
name: Goliath Grouper
other names: Junefish, Jewfish
This is the largest of the grouper family. The Goliaths colour can range from yellow/brown, to dark green/brown with widely dispersed dark blotches. Irregular bands run vertically along the body. The primary dorsal fin is much lower than the second.
Adult Goliaths will inhabit rocks, reefs, bridge pilings, wrecks, and any structure that provides protection between 10 and 100 feet of water. They fish are extremely territorial and will remain in a location for many years at a time.
Basically if it moves and fits in its mouth, it is dinner. Primarily an ambush predator, that lurks in or near structures. When a food item approaches, the grouper darts out and engulfs it, then retreats to its den. They will also eat fresh dead fish if they are presented near its lair. Prefers octopus, lobsters, and very large prey, such as jacks, grunts, snappers, sea trout, and drums. Feeds largely at night.
Changes gender starts as female and becomes male as it ages. Spawns over reefs and wrecks inshore in early spring. The eggs hatch and young hang near the surface and around vegetation, eventually taking residence inshore. Unfortunately as these fish have a very curious nature, it has over the years made them a soft easy target for divers with spears. Thankfully in a lot of places these fish are now protected from being killed as their numbers have declined over the years.
This fish greatest fighting asset is its weight. Once hooked, they will pull towards the nearest hole or reef, usually breaking ypur line as they go.If you are tarrgetting these fish you will need to use haevy tackle. For bait any of the following work, crab, lobster, conch, cut bait, and live fish including mullet, grunts and mackerel.
