Goliath Grouper (Safari Ltd - Incredible Creatures)

[brontodocus]

An amazing new addition to Safari Ltd's Incredible Creatures line is the (Atlantic) Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822). Total length (TL, i.e. including caudal fin) is 142 mm so the scale is between approx. 1:8 and 1:17 for a mature individual. The detail of the figure is amazing and at least the dorsal has the correct number of rays (11 spines and 15 soft rays)! The human figure is "Michelle the Underwater Adventurer" from the same line and the scale is approx. 1:12 to 1:13. While not the largest species within its family (the largest being the Queensland Grouper, E. lanceolatus) this impressive grouper can reach 2.5 m total length and a weight in excess of 300 Kg. By overfishing the global population has been depleted so severely that the species was on the brink of extinction and its low reproduction rate only allows for a slow recovery. The Atlantic Goliath Grouper is therefore considered "Critically Endangered" by IUCN.
Here is a link to the IC Goliath Grouper at Safari Ltd's website:
https://safariltd.com/products/view/incredible-creatures-goliath-grouper-figurines-265329
























By the way, the IC Goliath Grouper is not the first representation of the species by Safari Ltd, a much smaller (66 mm TL) version was also part of the "Flippers, Fins & Fun" playset. Here is a comparison of the two versions together:



Edit 2017-02-05: Fixed broken image urls.

[bmathison1972]

Neat fish. While I am not a fish collector, I like to see the 'less-than-traditional' taxa produced. If I was a generalist, I'd get both this grouper and the bass most definitely!
I'm interested in hearing Sean's thoughts on both of these as well!

[sbell]

Neat fish. While I am not a fish collector, I like to see the 'less-than-traditional' taxa produced. If I was a generalist, I'd get both this grouper and the bass most definitely!
I'm interested in hearing Sean's thoughts on both of these as well!

I have the bass, it is indeed a great figure. I'm still waiting on the grouper to come in. I am not surprised to see that it is a larger version of the smaller box set figure from a few years back (which I of course do have).

[Jetoar]

Really awesome replica  .

[brontodocus]

Many thanks, Blaine, Sean, and Jetoar! With its matt colours and slightly coarse texture and accurate fin rays this one was an instant favourite of mine. The Largemouth Bass was a must have for me, too, but comparing the two with each other, for me the Goliath Grouper wins.

[brontodocus]

Safari IC Goliath Grouper images are working again!

[bmathison1972]

@sbell is that box set (Flippers, Fins & Fun) readily available? There are two nice species in it, the grouper included! Found only one set on Amazon Canada for 108 USD!!! 

[sbell]

@sbell is that box set (Flippers, Fins & Fun) readily available? There are two nice species in it, the grouper included! Found only one set on Amazon Canada for 108 USD!!! 

It's been out of production for close to 10 years... I do not think it's worth that much though!

[bmathison1972]

@sbell is that box set (Flippers, Fins & Fun) readily available? There are two nice species in it, the grouper included! Found only one set on Amazon Canada for 108 USD!!! 

It's been out of production for close to 10 years... I do not think it's worth that much though!

Yes, that is too much for the two species in the set I want!

[JimoAi]

Anyone knows the difference between the queensland and goliath grouper?