The world’s first exhibit of the golden grouper that lives in the deep sea!

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is pleased to announce the world’s first exhibit of the golden grouper.

≪Golden grouper≫
Scientific name：Saloptia powelli

The golden grouper is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific. In Japan, it is found around the Ogasawara Islands, Okinawa Islands, Yoron Island and Tokara Islands.

Golden grouper photographed during a survey using the aquarium’s ROV

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has been conducting surveys for several years offshore of Okinawa Main Island and Kume Island, to shed light on the distribution and ecology of the golden grouper. In March 2022, our staff successfully took a photograph of the golden grouper on a steep slope using a remotely operated vehicle at a depth of 200 meters. Based on the results of this survey, with the assistance of the local fishermen, we repeatedly surveyed areas we thought are favorable for the golden grouper, and this led to finding a specimen at 300 meters, and the world’s first exhibition of the golden grouper.

At Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, by studying the deep sea through rearing and exhibits, we better understand the diversity and ecology of Okinawa’s deep-sea creatures, and contribute to their conservation.