Hey Everyone,
One of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen while spear diving is the Goliath Grouper.
I guess they got the name Goliath from the size they carry. Goliath groupers are believed to be protogynous hermaphrodites, which refer to organisms that are born female and at some point in their lifespans change sex to male. Most grouper follow this pattern, but this has not yet been verified for the Goliath. Males can be sexually mature at about 115 centimeters (45 in), and ages 4–6 years. Females mature around 125 centimeters (49 in), and about 6–8 years.
They may reach extremely large sizes, growing to lengths up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) and can weigh as much as 360 kg (790 lb). The world record for a hook-and-line-captured specimen is 308.44 kg (680.0 lb), caught off Fernandina Beach, Florida, in 1961. They are usually around 180 kg (400 lb) when mature. Considered of fine food quality, Atlantic goliath grouper were a highly sought-after quarry for fishermen. It is a relatively easy prey for spear fishermen because of the grouper's inquisitive and generally fearless nature ( this is why they are very beautiful).
These fish should be left alone as they are endangered and almost extinct.
Check out a raw footage of what they look like underwater. Check out my last blog at: http://divingintrinidad.blogspot.com/2018/03/wrecking-diving-in-tobago.html
One of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen while spear diving is the Goliath Grouper.
I guess they got the name Goliath from the size they carry. Goliath groupers are believed to be protogynous hermaphrodites, which refer to organisms that are born female and at some point in their lifespans change sex to male. Most grouper follow this pattern, but this has not yet been verified for the Goliath. Males can be sexually mature at about 115 centimeters (45 in), and ages 4–6 years. Females mature around 125 centimeters (49 in), and about 6–8 years.
They may reach extremely large sizes, growing to lengths up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) and can weigh as much as 360 kg (790 lb). The world record for a hook-and-line-captured specimen is 308.44 kg (680.0 lb), caught off Fernandina Beach, Florida, in 1961. They are usually around 180 kg (400 lb) when mature. Considered of fine food quality, Atlantic goliath grouper were a highly sought-after quarry for fishermen. It is a relatively easy prey for spear fishermen because of the grouper's inquisitive and generally fearless nature ( this is why they are very beautiful).
These fish should be left alone as they are endangered and almost extinct.
Check out a raw footage of what they look like underwater. Check out my last blog at: http://divingintrinidad.blogspot.com/2018/03/wrecking-diving-in-tobago.html
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