Name: Jewfish, giant grouper, esoune grouper
Scientific Name: Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822)
Family: Serranidae
Group: Bony fish
Class: Fish
Size: 201-400 cm.
The jewfish is a solitary and extremely territorial fish. It lives among rocks or wrecks close to the coast, where it occupies a permanent shelter. Here, it is commonly found patrolling the immediate area, always attentive to possible intruders. Given its dimensions (2.5 m and 455 kg), it can become dangerous for distracted divers... All jewfish begin life as females and only later change into males, which can live for up to 37 years! This species is seriously threatened by extinction due to underwater fishing, and as such is protected by law in the USA.
Photo by:
NOAA (www.flmnh.ufl.edu)
NOAA (www.flmnh.ufl.edu)
Oceanário Location
Global Ocean
