Coral Hind caught in Cebu

Common Name:  Grouper, Hind 

Local Name:  Lapu Lapu (Tagalog), Lapu-Lapu Lawihan, Pogapo,  (Cebuano)

Max Size:  50cm

Biodiversity: Marine, Reef Associated, Non-Migratory

Depth: 2 – 150 m

Fishing Season:  All Year Long

Minimum Size Limit:  10 inches

Recommended Bait/Lures:  Shrimp, Squid, small fish or cut bait/  small jigs, soft plastics

IUCN Red List Status:  Least Concern

This species is one of the many Grouper or Lapu-lapu species found around the islands.  This species however is not one of the true grouper species.  It is a member of the Hind family which closely resemble the grouper species.  The Hinds tend to be a bit smaller in size than the groupers and are often plentiful in areas around reefs.  This particular species (along with its red grouper relatives) is a highly sought after and highly valued species.  They bring a high price in the market and are said to be better tasting than their darker relatives.  The Hind species however are seen as a little inferior to grouper species as a food fish.  Apparently these fish are most valuable when they are around 1kg.

The fish pictured above was caught here in Cebu off Olango Island during one of our fishing charters.  It was caught at around 100m depth on peeled shrimp.