Whoa That's BIG

A new species of fish has been identified by scientists using genetic data. Before, the species, scientifically known as Epinephelus itajara, consisted of both the Atlantic and Pacific ocean species. However, scientists have now distinguished that the two fish are very distinct in genes, and therefore, are not of the same species. The Goliath Grouper, as it is called, can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh more than 1,000 lbs. Though both the Atlantic and Pacific ocean fish are called Goliath Grouper, the one living in the Pacific is scientifically called Epinephelus quinquefasciatus, versus the one living in the Atlantic, scientifically called Epinephelus itajara. The Atlantic variety is already listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or the IUCN.

These fish go back 3.5 million years ago, when they were once the same species. However, with central America dividing the two oceans, each fish adapted to its changes and started changing. The grouper lives in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and eats octopuses and crabs. It has five rows of teeth in its bottom jaw, allowing it to swallow its prey whole. Due to the scarcity of the fish, Epinephelus quinquefasciatus may also be critically endangered.