Goliath grouper
Epinephelus itajara
Confirmed at 17 dive sites in the atlas
Photo: victorbach · CC BY-NC
Goliath grouper use the deeper ledges of Flat Island Reef as seasonal aggregation sites, with up to a dozen individuals gathering around spawning time in late summer and autumn. These critically endangered giants can exceed 2 m in length, and their sheer mass and calm demeanour leave a lasting impression on divers who encounter them.
Best months across all sites
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where to see it
- Benwood WreckFlorida Keys, United StatesYear-round→
- Cuba Jardines de la ReinaJardines de la Reina, CubaYear-round→
- Eagle WreckFlorida Keys, United StatesYear-round→
- Looe Key ReefFlorida Keys, United StatesYear-round→
- Navio Grécia WreckIlha Grande, BrazilYear-round→
- USCGC DuaneFlorida Keys, United StatesYear-round→
- USS Spiegel GroveFlorida Keys, United StatesYear-round→
- Flat Island ReefSint Maarten / Saint-Martin, Sint MaartenSeasonal→
- Parcel das ParedesSalvador da Bahia, BrazilSeasonal→
- Pedra de LixaSalvador da Bahia, BrazilSeasonal→
- PipinJardines de la Reina, CubaSeasonal→
- USS VandenbergFlorida Keys, United StatesSeasonal→
- Bianca CBianca C Wreck, GrenadaRare→
- French ReefFlorida Keys, United StatesRare→
- MV Captain Keith TibbettsBloody Bay Wall, Cayman IslandsRare→
- RMS RhoneSalt Island, British Virgin IslandsRare→
- USS KittiwakeStingray City, Cayman IslandsRare→