In May 2015, the Atlantic goliath grouper was successfully bred in captivity for the first time. Since "Epinephelus itajara" are Vulnerable it is important that conservation efforts for the "E. itajara" are focused on their habitat. Tidal pools act as nurseries for juvenile "E. itajara". In tidal pools juvenile "E.itajara" are able to utilize rocky crevices for shelter. Besides shelter, tidal pools provide "E. itajara" with plenty of prey such as lobster and porcelain crab. As with other fish, the Atlantic goliath grouper is the host of several species of parasites, including the diplectanid monogenean "Pseudorhabdosynochus americanus" on its gills. The Atlantic goliath grouper has historically been referred to as the "jewfish". The name's origin is unclear. It may have referred to the fish's status as inferior leading it to be declared only suitable for Jews, or the flesh having a "clean" taste comparable to kosher food; it has also been suggested that this name is simply a corruption of "jawfish" or the Italian word for "bottom fish", "giupesce". In 2001, the American Fisheries Society stopped using the term because of complaints that it was culturally insensitive.