Blue-and-yellow grouper (Epinephelus cyanopodus) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan. It is mainly found over reef, coral, sand, at depths of 2–150 m.
Scientific name: Epinephelus cyanopodus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 122 cm
Weight: up to 17.3 kg
The Blue-and-yellow grouper is a large serranid densely covered in dark blue spots, known in Hong Kong as the blue melon grouper and in Taiwan as the blue-spotted rockcod. It reaches about 122 cm and 17.3 kg, ranges from 2 to 150 m, and IUCN lists it as Least Concern; no season has been verified for it. It is usually found around isolated coral heads in lagoons and bays, also on outer reef, and swims several metres above the bottom, which makes it easier to catch at night. It feeds mainly on sand-dwelling fish and crustaceans. Eastern and southern Taiwan and Penghu are the main grounds, fished with boat jigs or live-bait bottom rigs over deep reef. Big-bodied and fast-growing, it is a familiar market grouper in Taiwan and is sold live in Hong Kong markets.
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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