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Malabar grouper

Malabar grouper

Epinephelus malabaricus

Family
Serranidae
Max Length
234 cm
Max Weight
150 kg
IUCN Status
LC
Water Type
saltwater, mixed
Fishing Spots
152

Overview

The Malabar grouper also known as blackspot rockcod, estuary rockcod, giant rock cod, greasy grouper, Malabar rockcod, Morgan's cod or speckled grouper, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias and sea basses. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region. It has entered the Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea by way of the Suez Canal as a Lessepsian migrant.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Live Prawns

    A readily available and highly effective bait.

  • Live Mullet

    Great for targeting larger Malabar grouper.

  • Live Sardines

    Use a size appropriate to the fish.

  • Live Squid

    Attracts grouper with its scent and movement.

  • Small reef fish

    Mimics what they eat in nature.

Artificial Lures

  • Rapala X-Rap Magnum 10Crankbait

    Troll deep reefs for big strikes.

    Buy
  • Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep DiverCrankbait

    Effective for trolling or casting around structure.

    Buy
  • Daiwa Saltiga SK JigJig

    Vertical jigging near reefs and wrecks works well.

    Buy
  • Berkley Gulp! ShrimpSoft Plastic

    Use on a jighead to mimic natural prey.

    Buy
  • Halco Twisty 40gSpoon

    Cast and retrieve fast to trigger reaction strikes.

    Buy

Techniques

Fish around structure like reefs, wrecks, and rocky outcrops, as Malabar grouper are ambush predators.

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Where to Find Malabar grouper

Queensland, Australia98 spotsNew South Wales, Australia11 spotsWestern Australia, Australia8 spotsAceh, Indonesia2 spotsJawa Timur, Indonesia1 spotsSulawesi Selatan, Indonesia1 spotsSumatera Selatan, Indonesia1 spotsKepulauan Riau, Indonesia1 spotsGoa, India1 spotsKwale, Kenya1 spots
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Malabar grouper?+

Popular baits for Malabar grouper include Live Prawns, Live Mullet, Live Sardines, Live Squid, Small reef fish. Tip: Fish around structure like reefs, wrecks, and rocky outcrops, as Malabar grouper are ambush predators.

Where can I catch Malabar grouper?+

Malabar grouper can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Queensland, Australia; New South Wales, Australia; Western Australia, Australia. WikiCatch lists 152 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Malabar grouper get?+

Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus) can reach up to 233.99999141693115 cm in length and 150 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is LC.

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