Editing Atlantic goliath grouper (section)

== Habitat ==
Adult individuals are typically found in [[Reef|rocky reefs]], [[Shipwreck|wrecks]], [[artificial reef]]s, and [[oil platform]]s. The species can also be found in [[coral reef]] habitats, but are much more abundant in rocky reef environments.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Bueno|first1=L. S.|last2=Bertoncini|first2=A. A.|last3=Koenig|first3=C. C.|last4=Coleman|first4=F. C.|last5=Freitas|first5=M. O.|last6=Leite|first6=J. R.|last7=De Souza|first7=T. F.|last8=Hostim-Silva|first8=M.|date=2016-06-06|title=Evidence for spawning aggregations of the endangered Atlantic goliath grouper ''Epinephelus itajara'' in southern Brazil|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.13028|journal=Journal of Fish Biology|volume=89|issue=1|pages=876–889|doi=10.1111/jfb.13028 |pmid=27264779 |bibcode=2016JFBio..89..876B |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Juveniles mainly inhabit [[mangrove]] environments, but can also be found in holes and under ledges of [[Tidal creek|swift tidal creeks]] that drain mangroves.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Bullock|first1=Lewis H.|last2=Godcharles|first2=Mark F.|date=1982-07-01|title=Range Extensions for Four Sea Basses (Pisces: Serranidae) from the Eastern Gulf of Mexico with a Color Note on ''Hemanthias leptus'' (Ginsburg)|journal=Northeast Gulf Science|volume=5|issue=2|doi=10.18785/negs.0502.06 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Mangroves serve as an essential [[nursery habitat]] for the Atlantic goliath grouper and provide specific suitable water conditions to nurture healthy, sustained goliath grouper populations.<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal|last1=Koenig|first1=Christopher C|last2=Coleman|first2=Felicia C|last3=Kingon|first3=Kelly|date=2011-10-01|title=Pattern of Recovery of the Goliath Grouper ''Epinephelus itajara'' Population in the Southeastern US|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5343/bms.2010.1056|journal=Bulletin of Marine Science|volume=87|issue=4|pages=891–911|doi=10.5343/bms.2010.1056 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Juvenile goliath groupers may remain in mangrove nursery habitats for 5 to 6 years before leaving towards deeper offshore reef habitats at around 1 meter in length.<ref name=":02" />