Goliath of a time!

[SouthFloridaMermaid]

The goliath grouper exhibits territorial behavior near its sheltered home in a cave or wreck. This consists of a “threat display” to intruders by opening its mouth wide and shaking its body or producing a loud booming sound. The goliath grouper will produce loud “booms” when it is startled or cornered. It also produces similar sounds during courtship. Its swim bladder and surrounding muscles produce the sound. The booms are believed to be territorial warnings. Researchers have also heard juveniles in mangrove shallows boom before taking bait. It is thought that the boom might be used to stun small prey. The goliath grouper will travel many miles during one or two months each year to mate in huge spawning aggregations at traditional breeding grounds. Individuals gather to spawn around the time of the full moon in August and September. As the male approaches the female, its entire forebody, from the pectoral fins forward, turns pale, contrasting sharply with its dark rest of the body. The female exhibits no significant color change. The goliath grouper eggs are released into open water. The eggs hatch into transparent larvae that quickly develop long spines and a large mouth. After drifting with the current for 25 to 45 days, the one-inch larvae settle to the bottom in shallow-water mangrove habitats where they hide while completing metamorphosis into juveniles. So cool.... Call 561.270.5788 Florida Scuba Divers to book your dives. It will be a Goliath Experience!! www.FloridaScubaDivers.com ‍