Bahamas Goliath Grouper

While snorkeling in Nassau, it is difficult to miss the goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), an enormous predatory fish that easily reaches six feet in length. One of the most fascinating things about this fish is that its colors change to camouflage with its environment. Because of its sheer enormity, the observant diver can actually see the fish change cover as it swims from a shadow towards a colorful reef bed while chasing down a retreating piece of prey. The fish is usually brownish yellow or gray in color. Sometimes, it has an olive body with small dark circular spots on its head, along its body, and also on its fins.

The goliath grouper is the largest member of the Atlantic sea bass family. Scuba divers and Snorkelers can usually find the fish swimming through shallow waters, near areas of rock or heavy coral cover where the ocean floor has a muddy bottom. The fish is a solitary creature, and is also territorial. While snorkeling in Freeport, you might find it patrolling near a sea cave or along a densely vegetated ledge. It feeds on crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and spiny lobsters. The goliath grouper also enjoys feeding on fish, including even sting rays and parrotfish, as well as on octopus and small sea turtles. They have a wide, elongated body with a broad head and small eyes. The fish poses no threat to scuba divers.