One Species Of Grouper Is Really Two

Its always exciting when new species are discovered. A lot of times we are shown an organism never seen before. Not in this case-a case of a mistaken identity. Identical in appearance, it was assumed that the goliath grouper found in the Atlantic and the Pacific were the same species. However, after years of being seperated by Central America DNA studies have proven that  Epinephelus itajara, the Atlantic goliath grouper, is an entirely different from E. quinquefasciatus the Pacific "version"

When the charasmatic giant fish, that can reach up to six feet was thought to be one species, it was listed as critically endangered. The Atlantic species, remains on the list, and it would seem logical that the new Pacific species will also be listed as critically endangered. However, in light of the new discovery, it has been recommened that conservation strategies be different for each species.