TAMPA, FL — He may not have been pretty but Cleatus the goliath grouper was hands-down the most popular resident of The Florida Aquarium since the aquarium opened its doors 25 years ago.
So the announcement this week that the 5½-foot-long, 300-pound grouper had died was met with hundreds of condolences on the aquarium’s Facebook page.
“We are saddened to announce the loss our beloved goliath grouper Cleatus after succumbing to a prolonged illness,” posted The Florida Aquarium.
At about 30 years old, Cleatus was one of the oldest groupers in captivity, if not the oldest in the world. The oldest verifiable goliath grouper on record lived to 37 years old.
He made his debut at The Florida Aquarium on opening day in 1995.
“Cleatus was one of the most recognizable animals at the Florida Aquarium, coming eye to bulging eye with millions of guests since day one,” said Florida Aquarium president and CEO Roger Germann Tuesday. “We are overwhelmed by the millions of views and outpouring on social media and comforted by the fact that he was loved by so many, including our amazing animal care staff that took care of him every day.”
A necropsy on the giant fish showed the likely cause of death was advanced age.
As of Wednesday, 360 people had posted comments about Cleatus on the aquarium’s Facebook page including former employees and volunteers who had close contact with the giant fish. Some included photos of their children standing next to the bug-eyed Cleatus as he looked on from his fish tank.
“Cleatus and I had great conversations when I worked there,” said Sue Bryant Rodenbeck. “He was a great listener! And when I brought my granddaughter there in her marathon Bubble Guppies days, she immediately said, ‘It’s Mr. Grouper!'”
“We are so sad,” said Pil McNiff, posting various photos from over the years of her children with Cleatus. “We have been there since 1995 when you opened. Rest in peace, Cleatus.”
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McNiff said she began visiting Cleatus when she was single. After marrying and having children, she said the family would visit Cleatus on a regular basis. Her daughters are now 19 years old.
“Our hearts are breaking,” said Anna Lewis Buchanan. “We had memberships, and he became an instant favorite for our whole family. Was looking forward to seeing him at our upcoming Girl Scout sleepover.”
“So sorry for your loss,” said Heidi Schertzer. “We are annual pass holders and every time we come to the aquarium, I always say, “Time to go see Cleatus before we go pet the rays.'”
After being closed for nearly two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Florida Aquarium, 705 Channelside Drive, announced it will reopen Friday, May 15, with limited attendance and programming, along with new standard operating procedures and enhanced health and safety measures to safeguard guests, staff and animals.
Online reservations are required for all guests, whether they are a member or first-time visitor. The aquarium will begin taking reservations Thursday, May 7.
“After nearly eight weeks of being closed to the public, we are excited to reopen our doors to fulfill our mission as well as support Tampa Bay’s healing process now that our state and region has begun the reopening process,” said Germann. “The health, safety, and well-being of every guest is our utmost priority. We are taking a phased, controlled approach to reopening and have customized the guest experience to continue to deliver a world-class experience while ensuring we operate safely, responsibly and sustainably.”
“We are grateful for The Florida Aquarium’s continued support to protect the health and safety of those in our community. By implementing added safety measures and capacity limits, The Florida Aquarium is taking a smart and phased approach to reopening responsibly,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “I urge visitors to practice safe social distancing, wash your hands, wear a face-covering in congested areas, and keep the health of our vulnerable neighbors in mind. Step by step, we can get back to all the things we love about our city, but we have to work together.”
Along with attendance limits that support physical distancing, other health and safety initiatives include online ticket sales only, touchless transactions, staff required to wear masks in public spaces and enhanced cleaning methods. Several interactive experiences, such as the outdoor play area and animal touch exhibits, will remain temporarily closed. For more details on restrictions, visit the aquarium’s website.
“We have been preparing for our reopening for several weeks. From conducting a deep clean of all exhibits to removing unnecessary touchpoints to requiring online ticket sales, The Florida Aquarium is well-prepared to provide a safe, clean and fun experience for our guests,” said Andy Wood, The Florida Aquarium chief operating officer. “We will continue to coordinate with local, state and federal agencies and public health officials and are prepared to make any and all adjustments necessary now and after we open, to maintain the highest standards of health and safety for all.”
Germann said admission will be timed, which will limit the number of guests in the aquarium at one time and provide for increased physical distancing.
“Humans and the natural world are more disconnected than ever, especially during the ‘safer at home’ timeframe, and studies show that the human-animal-nature bond plays a role supporting public health,” Germann said. “A visit to The Florida Aquarium is good for mental and emotional well-being and we are ready to welcome our guests back to provide these positive health benefits.”
Online tickets must be reserved prior to visiting The Florida Aquarium and information can be found on the aquarium’s website.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, The Florida Aquarium cares for more than 9,000 fish, penguins, dolphin, manatees, otters, seabirds and other animals. In 2019, it was ranked the No. 2 Aquarium in North America in USA TODAY’S 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.