For over a century scientists had thought that the goliath grouper fish living in the Pacific Ocean were the same species as the ones living in the Atlantic Ocean. However, in a recent study lead by Dr. Matthew Craig of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, it was discovered that the fish are actually two different species.Mongabay.com: New 1,000-pound Grouper Species Discovered (August 20, 2008) DNA analysis has proved that the identical looking fish, which can grow to over six-feet-long and weigh 1,000 lbs., actually have different genes.Times of the Internet: [1] Researchers now believe that the fish were the same species until their ocean homes were divided by Central America approximately 3.5 million years ago.Live Science: Whopping Fish Declared New Species
Discovered By
- University of HawaiiMongabay.com: New 1,000-pound Grouper Species Discovered (August 20, 2008)
- The Wildlife Conservation SocietyMongabay.com: New 1,000-pound Grouper Species Discovered (August 20, 2008)
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteMongabay.com: New 1,000-pound Grouper Species Discovered (August 20, 2008)
- National Marine Fisheries ServiceMongabay.com: New 1,000-pound Grouper Species Discovered (August 20, 2008)
- Projecto Meros do BrazilMongabay.com: New 1,000-pound Grouper Species Discovered (August 20, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
The Pacific species, now classified as Epinephelus quinquefasciatus, is described in a recent issue of the Endangered Species Research journalLive Science: Whopping Fish Declared New Species
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Fact:
The Atlantic species, classified as Epinephelus itajara, is listed as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of NatureLive Science: Whopping Fish Declared New Species
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Fact:
In light of findings, the Pacific goliath grouper could be handled with separate management and conservation strategiesMongabay.com: New 1,000-pound Grouper Species Discovered (August 20, 2008)
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Fact:
Goliath grouper can grow to six-feet-long and weigh 1,000 lbs.
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Fact:
Called a jewfish until its name was changed to goliath grouper in 2001Houston Chronicle: Strange things happen in threes
