Orange-spotted Grouper
Epinephelus coioides · ep-ih-NEF-eh-lus koy-OY-deez
diurnalsolitaryNear Threatened
EdibleUnfriendly
Superpower
Engulfs prey by flaring its huge mouth to create a vacuum that sucks fish in.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 60 cm, up to 120 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–22 years
- Depth
- 1–100 m
Habitat
Reefs, estuaries and mangroves, including brackish water.
Diet
Fish and crustaceans, swallowed whole with a sudden gulp.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 9/10.
How to cook: Steamed or grilled whole — the prized 'lapu-lapu'.
Fun facts
- Lapu-lapu is a star dish at Filipino celebrations.
- Many groupers begin life as females and later become males.
- It catches prey by suddenly opening its mouth to vacuum them in.