Chromileptes altivelis

The barramundi cod is one of the most elegant hosts of the reef, alone or in pairs.

It is very recognizable by its improbable silhouette and patterns, light brown covered with black dots covering body and fins.

The barramundi cod or Grace Kelly grouper, has nothing to do with the barramundi, traditionally served in restaurants, which is a brackish water fish that resembles the brown meager.

It is rarely encountered by free divers because of its great timidity and also because of its dwindling numbers due to overfishing. It is more frequently observed by scuba divers.

Shooting it is in principle easy, but this fish is very scared of humans and always close to hiding places in the rocks, therefore requiring a small speargun which is a rather limiting choice in Indonesia.

The Grace Kelly grouper is excellent grilled or raw. However, given its relative scarcity and modest size, I recommend taking in moderation, if at all.