Comet grouper (Epinephelus morrhua) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 80–370 m.
Scientific name: Epinephelus morrhua · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 90 cm
The comet grouper is a deep-water species of island slopes, seamounts and continental-shelf edges between 80 and 370 m, never in the shallows. It feeds on bottom-living fishes and large invertebrates. Living so deep, it rarely reaches the market. Commonly about 60 cm, up to 90 cm. It is easily confused with three closely related deep-water groupers, so some records are uncertain, and it is known to be ciguatoxic at Mauritius. 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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