Common names
Estuary rockcod, Giant rock cod, Greasy grouper, Malabar rockcod, Morgan's cod, Speckled grouper, Blackspotted rockcod, Blackspot cod
Malabar grouper
Epinephelus malabaricus
- Saltwater
- Least concern
Max length92.25 in
Common length39.25 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight330 lb 11 oz
Depth range0 - 492 ft
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Malabar grouper have a light grey to light brownish background colour, with a number of dark brown spots randomly scattered, which increase in number with age. The body has also a various number of brown slightly oblique diagonal stripes. Their streamlined body helps them to swim fast against the water currents. Their body is covered with wet scales that are slimy, and hence these are named greasy grouper. Their tail fin is rounded. Younger fish have a number of wide, broken vertical bands of darker shade across their bodies, but in maturity, they seem to become a uniform darker colour. Young fish have numerous brown spots.
Habitat
This grouper lives in various habitats, such as lagoons, mangroves, coral and rocky reefs, sandy and muddy bottom areas. The juveniles prefers lagoon or brackish areas.
Distribution
The Malabar grouper is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific area from the eastern coast of Africa to the Tonga Islands, Red Sea included.
Behaviour
Feed primarily on fishes and crustaceans, and occasionally on cephalopods. They change their sex from female to male, occurring during the life cycle. They can adapt well to brackish water as well.
Edibility
Very good, the meat is packed with flavour and sweetness.
Lure suggestion
It is advised to use high abrasion-resistant lines/thicker leaders when fishing for groupers. Deep-diving artificial lures work very well on them, Good bait: prawns, fishes, squids, worms or any form of meat.