Epinephelus lanceolatus

This grouper is the giant of the Indopacific, as it can reach 3m long for more than 500kg, and it is definitely one of the largest bony fishes in the world! It is a reef predator that usually lives along deep drop offs with caves where it can hide.

It is recognizable by its massive shape, all in roundness, a rather dull marbled brown coloration for adults and yellow fins covered with black spots. Juveniles display brighter patterns.

In Madagascar, this fish was frequent about fifteen years ago. In Indonesia it is no longer encountered frequently. A large specimen was spotted in Nusa Penida near Bali and I have seen it three times in Maluku, individuals of average size, 50 to 100kg. They call it there Roto and is claimed to become huge, “as big as a small car”….

This species is classified as vulnerable and is forbidden to catch throughout Australia since 1994.

So it does not make sense for me to shoot it: One does not chop the old oak tree!

On the other hand, these very voracious fishes, like the potato cod Epinephelus tukula, can attack your fish when it is still thrashing on the shaft or hanging under the buoy. A difficult situation for you to manage, it will be part of your most unforgettable spearfishing memories, especially if you are not ready to let go the shaft …

Just as an information, fish below 1m length taste better than larger ones.