Grouper is one of marine fishes belongs to the genus of “Epinephelus”. This fish culture is gaining commercial importance across the world. This fish is locally known as “Lapu Lapu” or “Inid” in Philippines. India is also showing lots of interest in Grouper fish culture. The taste of grouper fish is better than Murrel (sneak head) fish. These fish have highly valued because of their excellent body texture and flavour. The export market for grouper is rapidly increasing specially in in Hong Kong, and Singapore, Japan. When it comes to body characteristics of grouper fish, most of the fish is found with light yellowish to brown spots on their body fins and head. There are two type’s species such as E. coioides and E malabricus are popularly cultured in either net cages or ponds out of 40 species are distributed in tropical waters. The biggest challenge in commercial production of grouper fish is the shortage of fingerlings or seed from the wild or hatchery (nurseries). Because of seed shortage, high market value of this fish have encouraged many countries in Asia including India to initiate research and development programmes on grouper breeding and seed production. In India, until now, naturally collected seed from wild waters are serving the purpose. Now the breeding of groupers has started in India as well. Grouper fishes are extensively cultured in coastal brackish water ponds and floating, fixed net cages in many south Asian countries. Read more : HERE.
