Highfin coralgrouper (Plectropomus oligacanthus) is a saltwater species recorded in Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 5–147 m.
Scientific name: Plectropomus oligacanthus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 75 cm
The highfin coralgrouper is a serranid that inhabits drop-offs and steep channel slopes. Very little has been published on its biology: it is reported to forage in groups of two or three for crustaceans and fishes living on rock and sand, and it is rare in most areas. Its range is Indo-West Pacific, covering the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, northeastern Australia from Cape York to the northern Great Barrier Reef, Belau, Truk, the Caroline Islands, the Marshall Islands and the Solomon Islands, with a record from Malaysia. It lives from 5 to 147 m, does not migrate, and reaches about 75 cm total length and up to about 1.2 kg. It is a minor commercial species and a game fish, selling in the highest price band, with a trophic level of 4, moderate to high fishing vulnerability at 54 of 100, and low resilience.
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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