The honeycomb grouper (Epinephelus merra) is a small to medium-sized reef fish, recognized by its distinctive honeycomb-like pattern of dark spots on a pale background. This species inhabits shallow coral reefs and lagoons throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The honeycomb grouper is valued both as a food fish and in the ornamental aquarium trade. Major fishing countries for honeycomb grouper include Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries target this species for local consumption and export. These countries have well-established reef fisheries, and honeycomb grouper is often caught using handlines, traps, or spearfishing. While not as heavily targeted as larger grouper species, honeycomb grouper populations are subject to local pressures from overfishing and habitat loss, prompting some countries to introduce management measures to ensure sustainable harvests.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 1,458 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.