An account of Ichthyofauna of Digha coast, West Bengal Author Yennawar, Prasanna Author Mohapatra, Anil Author Tudu, Prasad Chandra text Records of the Zoological Survey of India 2017 2017-08-01 117 1 4 4 http://dx.doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v117/i1/2017/117289 journal article 10.26515/rzsi/v117/i1/2017/117289 2581-8686 13. Epinephelus malabaricus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Malabar grouper (Figure 14) Materials examined : 8 ex. ; Mohana, Digha, 08.06.11; Reg. No, MARC /ZSI/F1913 . Description : Head and body brownish, covered with small, well separated, blackish brown spots which extend onto chest, lower jaw and gular area and roof of mouth; head and body also with scattered white spots and blotches; 5 irregular, oblique, dark brown bars (more or less interrupted by pale spots) often visible on body; fins with scattered small black spots. Caught with hook and lines and gill nets. Occur on protected reefs and creeks. Excellent food fish, marketed fresh. Distribution : Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Tonga , north to Japan , south to Australia . IUCN Status (2012): Near Threatened (NT). Remarks : The fish has high commercial value in aquaculture & gamefish. Size: 100 cm .