The Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus), also known as the greasy grouper, is a large, predatory reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its firm, flavorful flesh. This species inhabits coastal reefs, estuaries, and mangroves, making it accessible to both artisanal and commercial fisheries. The top countries harvesting Malabar grouper include Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Australia, where the fish is caught both for local consumption and for export, especially to East Asian markets where live groupers fetch high prices. In these countries, Malabar grouper is targeted by handlines, traps, and increasingly by aquaculture operations, particularly in Southeast Asia, as wild stocks face pressure from overfishing and habitat loss. The fishing industry around this species is economically significant, supporting coastal livelihoods, but also faces sustainability challenges that have prompted the development of regulations and aquaculture initiatives to ensure the long-term viability of Malabar grouper populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.