Viral Video Captures Huge Goliath Grouper Snatching a Sting Ray Off of a Fisherman’s Line

Whether you’re fishing to release or keep, part of the thrill comes from reeling in your catch and seeing it up close. After all, it’s not every day that you get to see some of the fish you reel in. However, in some cases, such as that in the video below, other sealife might also take an interest in your catch. That includes a Goliath grouper!

Watch the Shocking Video Here

The video begins with a clear view of calm, blue saltwater. Beneath the surface, you can just begin to make out a stingray being reeled in. In many places throughout the United States, there are no regulations for catching stingrays. Some people may eat them or use them for bait, but many people will choose to release these interesting fish back into the ocean. However, it seems that one particularly Goliath grouper has other plans as it emerges from the depths, zeroed in on the stingray.

At first, it seems like the Goliath grouper is just curious. It passes the stingray several times, oftentimes nothing more than a large shadow lurking beneath. However, in one sudden movement, the Goliath grouper swallows the stingray and, thus, the hook, whole. On the boat, the angler nearly drops the rod, adjusting to the giant now hooked and fleeing quickly. Whether or not the Goliath grouper escapes or is reeled in is left unknown as a slow-motion clip of the moment it eats the stingray is replayed.

Species Profile: Goliath Grouper

The Goliath grouper is one of the largest reef fish in the world. They are curious and will often approach divers. However, if they feel threatened, they are able to produce a “barking” sound that you can feel through the water!

As adults, Goliath groups can grow to an average of around 8.2 feet in length, and they can weigh around 800 pounds. On average, they can live up to 50 years. In the wild, despite their large size, they have several predators, including sharks and orcas. However, they are still considered apex predators in the reefs they call home. They most commonly eat fish and crustaceans but may also eat turtles and even small sharks!

How Large are Goliath Groupers?

Goliath grouper, also known as jewfish and itajara, can grow up to 800 pounds and have lengths of up to 8.2 feet. The largest goliath grouper on record belongs to a monster of a fish caught off the southern coast of Florida that weighed 680 pounds and was seven feet long. This species is currently protected under federal law.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jonathan Churchill/Shutterstock.com