In 1995, Cletus the goliath grouper greeted the very first guests at Florida Aquarium.
The aquarium announced his death last night in a Facebook post, saying he fell victim to a “prolonged illness” and that he “will be missed by our staff and we know he connected with millions of our guests over the past 25 years.”
“Animal care and welfare remains our utmost priority and of note,” said the aquarium in the post, “the oldest verifiable goliath grouper on record lived to 37 years of age, and we are proud to have given him the best life and care at The Florida Aquarium since our doors opened in 1995.”
According to the Florida Aquarium, Atlantic goliath grouper weigh up to 800 pounds and grow up to can be 8 feet in length. Cletus, who resided in the “Bays and Beaches” exhibit, was estimated to be close to 30-years-old, said the aquarium.
Cletus is survived by Gill, who lives in the aquarium’s main coral reef exhibit.
This morning, the aquarium announced that they will reopen to the public on May 15.
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This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2020.