Honeycomb Grouper

Epinephelus merra

Honeycomb Grouper (Epinephelus merra) is a small coral-reef grouper of the Indo-Pacific, usually on shallow reef flats and lagoon margins. It sits tight to cover and ambushes small fishes and crustaceans; it is much more often encountered by small-boat or shore anglers than targeted as a major gamefish.

Saltwater

Honeycomb Grouper reference image — Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, cc-by-sa, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Honeycomb-like network of dark brown reticulation on a pale body
Rounded tail fin with a dark rear margin
Small grouper with a broad head and many pale spots/blotches on the fins

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reef edges, usually over coral rubble or live coral with nearby holes and ledges; common in very shallow water from the surface down to roughly 20 m.

Bait notes

Best on small live baits such as reef fish, shrimp, or crabs; also takes cut bait strips. Small bucktail jigs and soft plastics worked tight to cover can draw strikes, but it is not usually a primary target species.

Behavior

A sedentary ambush predator that hides in reef crevices and darts out to seize small fish and crabs. It is most active around structure and tide movement, and larger fish tend to stay deeper in the reef matrix.

Caution

Can accumulate ciguatera toxin in some tropical reef areas; avoid eating large individuals from high-risk locations. Reef spines and gill plates can cut hands, and local size/harvest rules may apply.

Fishing notes

Fish light tackle and present baits right beside holes, coral heads, and undercut edges. Use short leaders and be ready to turn fish immediately back into structure; careful release is important to avoid coral damage.