10/08/2026
The Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is the largest member of the sea bass family in the Atlantic Ocean.
Key Characteristics & Size
• Weight: Up to 800 pounds (363 kg)
• Length: Up to 8 feet (2.5 meters)
• Lifespan: More than 30 to 37+ years
Conservation & Regulations
• Protected Status: Because they were severely overfished, the fishery has been closed in federal waters of the U.S. southeastern Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean since the early 1990s managed by NOAA Fisheries.
• Florida Harvest: A limited, regulated recreational harvest is permitted in Florida state waters via a special permit system managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (requiring specific slot limits and dehooking tools).
*ALL INFO ACC. to FFWCC*
