![]() It conserves energy – the prey is right in front of them, so why not? They don’t understand that you’ve been fishing for hours without a bite, or you’ve been diving for hours and were just about to bring your prized catch to the surface. From a naturalists point of view, it makes sense. Some veteran divers, anglers and spearos have a different opinion these fish are mean, selfish bullies! The blue seas have frequently become bluer from the curses uttered by enraged underwater hunters who have had their hard-earned catch snatched away at the last minute. It’s a good idea to keep out of the way as you don’t want to get caught between these giants, however gentle they seem. They generally amble about, minding their own business, only gathering with others of their species when it’s time to reproduce. With a sudden snap of their immensely powerful jaws, they suck in and crush their prey, usually smaller fish, crustaceans, or octopus. Goliath Groupers are ‘ambush feeders’, using stealth and strategy to catch their prey rather than strength or speed. This, and the fact that they are slow-moving and inquisitive, makes them easy prey for spearfishers. Yes, they are giant, growing as large as 8ft (2.5m) in length and have weighed in at well over 800lbs. You’ll often hear people refer to them this way, which is really a matter of personal experience and opinion. They emit a strange rumbling sound using their swim bladder that warns you of their approach. Often, you’ll hear them before the massive shadow looms overhead, obscuring the sunlight and blocking your route to the surface. Although they’re not regarded as being a danger to humans, you should always be wary when there’s a ‘group of groupers’ hanging about. They lurk in wrecks and potholes or hang around the ledges where spearos love to hunt. This is a fact that some divers and underwater hunters can attest to, having been unlucky enough to get too close! There are no confirmed cases of them being fatal to humans, though reliable reports of them swallowing sharks have been recorded.Īlthough groupers of different types are present all around the world, our friend, the Goliath Grouper, is usually found in shallow tropical waters, mostly around coral (or artificial) reefs. So, instead of taking chunks out of their prey, they effectively vacuum them up by sucking them into their huge mouths and swallowing them whole using ‘negative pressure’. Though species vary widely, most will have a ‘tooth-plate’ for crushing, using the sharp teeth to prevent prey from escaping rather than biting or chewing. ![]() The longest journeys it will take are from the ‘nursery’ to its chosen habitat and during spawning season. Basically, a grouper is a large, slow-moving saltwater fish that doesn’t travel too far if it doesn’t have to, as they just aren’t built for it. Without getting too technical, there are many different species that fall under this category – 234, to be precise. O ne fish that is a common hassle to spearos is known as the Goliath Grouper. Some species stand out for various reasons – and not always good ones. ![]() It’s a real privilege that never gets dull and keeps us heading back to the water time after time. Fish of all shapes and sizes slip past, sometimes wary, other times oblivious to your presence. Brilliant colors flash by, through coral and kelp. It’s one of the many attractions of engaging in these pastimes – sharing the environment with all kinds of sea creatures that dart about their business all around you. Whether scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling or spearfishing, you can’t help but be amazed by the variety of life you encounter beneath the waves.
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