Age, Growth, and Functional Gonochorism with a Twist of Diandric Protogyny in Goliath Grouper from the Atlantic Coast of Florida

The lack of data on the age, growth, and reproduction Atlantic Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara off coasts Florida (USA) makes it difficult to estimate extent their population recovery following 1990 fishery closure, as well potential effects recent (2023) opening a for juveniles. from coast were non-lethally sampled size (total length, TL), age (via fin rays), sex reproductive stage gonad biopsies, milt/egg expression, gonopores) May October 2010–2016. Of 653 unique fish captured (not including 118 recaptures), 257 (39.4%) females (122–228 cm TL; 5–20 years old), 264 (40.0%) males (104–225 4–22 100 (15.3%) unsexed (82–211 3–15 32 (4.9%) protogynous hermaphrodites (108–209 old). Protogyny was conclusively determined in two recaptured re-biopsied that had transitioned female male. However, an overlap females, 1:1 ratio, presence relatively small, young, mature males, combination with apparently low functional change rate, all indicated sexual pattern functionally gonochoristic diandric protogyny. Females > 10 old larger-at-age than Gulf Mexico. These differences strategy—as nascent juveniles—need be monitored closely so current future capacity continues ensure growth sustainability.