Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, coral, mud, estuary, at depths of 1–200 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia runs all year.
Scientific name: Epinephelus lanceolatus · Water: Saltwater, Brackish · Season: All year · Also known as: Giant Grouper
Size: up to 270 cm
Weight: up to 440 kg
The Giant grouper is the largest of the reef groupers and the biggest bony fish found on coral reefs. Its range covers the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and Algoa Bay in South Africa east to the Hawaiian and Pitcairn islands, north to southern Japan and south to Australia, and it is notably absent from the Persian Gulf. It lives around rocks, caves, wrecks and estuaries, and its juveniles are secretive in shallow reef areas. An ambush predator, it feeds on fish, crabs and lobsters. Targetable all year between 1 and 200 m, it grows past 270 cm and approaches 400 kg. Hooked fish dive straight into cover, so heavy tackle is essential. Sold live in Hong Kong markets, and farmed in Taiwan and Japan.
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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