Epinephelus malabaricus, Malabar Grouper

Abstract

This widely distributed species inhabits a variety of nearshore habitats. It can be common in parts of its range and is relatively fast-growing. Adults and juveniles are exploited by fisheries, especially for the live reef fish food trade based in Hong Kong. Population declines have occurred in the Andaman Islands, New Caledonia and the Philippines, and probably elsewhere in areas of heavy fishing pressure, but the level is not known or quantified. Even anecdotal information is missing from large areas of the range of this grouper, including Indonesia, most of East Africa, the Red Sea and New Guinea. Populations are considered to have remained healthy in Australia. Overfishing is a threat on a localised basis, and is not known to be driving global-level population declines that would approach a 'threatened' level. Therefore, it is listed as Least Concern. It is strongly recommended that fishery management and data collection is improved to monitor population trends, as well as additional research on its life history. The change in status from the previous assessment reflects an improved application of the Red List categories and criteria, as well as a better understanding of available data.