Hong Kong Grouper

Yiu Wai Hong | @114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey

• Scientific Name: Epinephelus akaara

• Habitat: Tropical waters, coral reefs, rocky areas, and depths up to at least 55 metres

• Diet: Fish and crustaceans (carnivorous)

• Threats: Overfishing, ocean warming, land reclamation, coastal pollution

• Predators: Larger fishes like sharks, and rays

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Summary:

Epinephelus akaara, the Hong Kong Grouper, inhabits tropical coral reefs and rocky areas in the northwestern Pacific. This carnivorous fish preys on smaller fish and crustaceans. It faces significant threats from overfishing, ocean warming, land reclamation, and coastal pollution. While listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, ongoing conservation efforts are essential to mitigate these threats and ensure the survival of this species​ (Fishbase)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

Habitat:

The Hong Kong Grouper, Epinephelus akaara, is found in tropical waters, predominantly in the northwestern Pacific region including southern China, Taiwan, Korea, and southern Japan. These groupers inhabit coral reefs, rocky areas, and can be found at depths up to at least 55 meters. Juveniles often reside in shallower waters compared to adults​ (Fishbase)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

Diet:

Hong Kong Groupers are carnivorous, primarily preying on fishes and crustaceans. They are ambush predators, utilizing their camouflage to blend into the reef environment before swiftly attacking their prey​ (Fishbase)​​ (The Animal Facts)​.

Threats:

The Hong Kong Grouper faces several significant threats:

• Overfishing: This species is heavily targeted by fisheries due to its high value, leading to significant population declines.

• Ocean Warming: Climate change affects their habitat and the availability of prey.

• Land Reclamation: Coastal development reduces the natural habitats available for the species.

• Coastal Pollution: Pollutants from human activities degrade their habitat and health​ (Fishbase)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

Predators:

Natural predators of the Hong Kong Grouper include larger fishes like sharks, and rays. These predators pose a threat especially to juvenile groupers, while adults are less frequently preyed upon due to their size and habitat​ (Wikipedia)​​ (The Animal Facts)​.

Conservation Status:

The Hong Kong Grouper is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this species from overfishing and habitat destruction. Some regions, such as parts of Japan, have started releasing hatchery-reared larvae to support wild populations, but comprehensive management strategies are still lacking in many areas​ (Fishbase)​​ (Wikipedia)​.