A fisherman from Queensland, Australia, was left gobsmacked during a when he encountered what some are calling a "" in an astonishing viral video.
With over 35 years of fishing experience and a social media following of more than 135,000, Dean Silvester is no stranger to reeling in some serious , such as the hefty barramundis and Giant Trevallys, which can reach a staggering 6ft.
However, his latest brush with marine life has set the internet abuzz. In footage that's racked up over 3.3 million likes, Dean can be seen luring a school of Giant Trevallys with bait on his line.
The Giant Trevally, a formidable force in tropical seas, particularly around Indian and Pacific Ocean reefs, is celebrated for its agility and might, preying on fish, squid, and crustaceans. These predators are often spotted hunting near the surface, ready to pounce on bait or lures, taking advantage of their surroundings and striking prey as it hits the water's surface, especially in areas with strong currents.
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In the crystal-clear waters, the video captures a feeding frenzy below, drawing in larger predators. Out of nowhere, a colossal fish leaps out, snapping at Dean's line with its massive jaws.
He wrote: "Fun until this monster showed up," and added: "Was teasing some Giant Trevally until this actual GIANT of the ocean turned up! ".
The enormous fish was believed to be a Goliath Grouper, a large, slow-moving fish that inhabits warm coastal waters, mainly in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds.
These groupers are known for their broad bodies and powerful jaws, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and octopuses. They're often found near coral reefs and shipwrecks, and are a protected species in many areas due to overfishing.
users were amazed by the encounter, with one commenting: "Omg that was insane I can't get over how big these fish are," and another saying: "Excuse me? What sea monster did you lure up from the depths? ! " A third user exclaimed: "GREAT GOOGILY MOOGILY." Another commenter admitted: "Groupers scare the s**t out of me. I didn't even know Goliath groupers exist."
Some users questioned why a Goliath Grouper would be seen near the surface, as they believed the creatures were "bottom feeders" However, they are typically found in shallow tropical waters among coral and artificial reefs, with a range that includes the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys, the Bahamas, most of the Caribbean, and the Brazilian coast.
