Giant Grouper
Epinephelus lanceolatus
Sighting evidence at USS Saratoga, Bikini Atoll
Photo: Ian Banks · CC BY-NC
Giant grouper, some exceeding 2 meters in length, have colonized the Saratoga's interior compartments as permanent residents, ambushing reef fish and occasionally small sharks or turtles from their shadowy lairs. As one of the ocean's largest bony fish, they represent the apex of the reef fish community on the wreck, and their presence indicates an exceptionally healthy, undisturbed ecosystem where top predators can reach full size.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Giant Grouper is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.