A fisherman off the coast of Florida recorded a goliath grouper swallowing a 4-foot shark in a single bite in a video that has now gone viral.

Goliath Grouper Swallows 4-ft Shark Whole

The fisherman in the video had just caught a four-foot black tip shark in Bonita Springs, FL, when the goliath grouper made itself known. Just as the shark was approaching the side of the boat, the giant fish emerged from the water, opening its jaws, and disappeared just as quickly, leaving nothing in its wake.

Goliath groupers populate the Florida coastal waters, though they are far from common. Known as predators, goliath groupers can grow up to 800 pounds, measuring over 8 feet in length. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, goliath groupers typically eat lobsters, shrimps, octopus and other fishes, and prefer to consume their food in one bite.

“Prey is ambushed, caught with a quick rush and snap of the jaws. The sharp teeth are adapted for seizing prey and preventing escape although most prey is simply engulfed and swallowed whole,” states the Florida Museum of Natural History.

It’s not uncommon for goliath groupers to take their food from a fisherman’s reel. Once close to endangered, it is illegal for fisherman to catch and kill goliath groupers, but goliath groupers have been increasing in number, and stealing more potential catches from fishermen.

“We have goliaths taking legal grouper and snapper right off our lines, over and over – lobsters too. It’s such a waste,” Jim Thomas, a commercial fisherman, told National Geographic.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.