One of our favorite dives in south Florida is the yearly spawning aggregation of the Atlantic Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara). From mid July through October they mass on a few wrecks off Jupiter and Boynton Beach to spawn on the night of the new moon. Normally wary the rest of the year during this time they become very social and their gentle, curious natures can be seen. The grouper activity was different on every dive we did on the Castor wreck, varied with current, visiblity and light. The crashing walls of cigar minnows that hug the groupers for protection from marauding jacks made for some spectacular displays. Nearly wiped out in the 80’s these gentle giant are making a recovery, we estimated some 100 plus individuals on the Castor wreck. Sadly, they are still at risk as pressure to remove their protected status grows. The Goliath grouper are slow to mature and their spawning aggregation makes them easy targets. Please support continued protection for these wonderful creatures. Special thanks to Kevin Metz of Underwater Explorers for his knowledge and expertise.