Blacktip grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 4–160 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia runs all year.
Scientific name: Epinephelus fasciatus · Water: Saltwater, Brackish · Season: All year
Size: up to 52 cm
The blacktip grouper is a serranid found commonly on outer reef slopes below 15 m, and also in protected bays and lagoons as shallow as 4 m, down to 160 m. Its diet changes with region: around Madagascar it feeds day and night on brachyuran crabs, fishes, shrimps and galatheid crabs; in Kenyan waters on crabs, stomatopods, fishes, brittle stars and octopus; in the Red Sea mostly on fishes with some crustaceans, mainly crabs. Commonly about 22 cm and up to 52 cm total length. Population recovery is slow, with a fishing vulnerability of 54 out of 100. In season all year and a high-priced fish.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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