What kind of grouper is this?

[Saxchez]

My LFS was selling these little guys as Goliath groupers but I know it is illegal to harvest or transport them in Florida and federal waters. I was wondering if anyone could identify these for me, thanks!

 

[fishhead0103666]

People breed goliath groupers and one of our vendors fugupuff gets them in so I believe they are indeed goliath groupers.

 

[krichardson]

I doubt if they are true itajara,they are probablyly bumblebee grouper s which is what Wes had.

 

[kno4te]

Look like bumble bee groupers.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

My LFS was selling these little guys as Goliath groupers but I know it is illegal to harvest or transport them in Florida and federal waters. I was wondering if anyone could identify these for me, thanks!View attachment 1385903

If they are, then I'd say they certainly qualify as monster fish...

 

[tlindsey]

I may be wrong but Bumblebee Grouper are juvenile Goliath Grouper. I believe I read that awhile back.

 

[tlindsey]

I may be wrong but Bumblebee Grouper are juvenile Goliath Grouper. I believe I read that awhile back.

They will not have that color pattern as adults.

 

[kno4te]

I may be wrong but Bumblebee Grouper are juvenile Goliath Grouper. I believe I read that awhile back.

They will not have that color pattern as adults.

Believe they are different. Still get to be giants.

 

[fishhead0103666]

Giant Grouper - Georgia Aquarium

Learn the scientific name, discover the habitat, diet and special characteristics of the Giant Grouper with the Georgia Aquarium.

www.georgiaaquarium.org

"Juvenile giant grouper are bright yellow with large, irregular black or dark brown bars. "

QLD - Gold coast - 2 very surprising catches

www.akff.net

This supports the statement that bumblebee groupers and giant groupers are the same.

Hong Kong investor buys axed Qld government fish breeding project

A Queensland Government-funded aquaculture project axed as part of the Newman government's public service cuts five years ago is saved by a Hong Kong business.

www.abc.net.au

Look at the third picture, does that fish not have the same coloration as the fish in question?

 

[TwoHedWlf]

Certainly looks like it, and if they're breeding them that makes it more plausible.