Photo: Izuzuki / CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Epinephelus septemfasciatus
Convict Grouper (Sevenband Grouper)
Saltwater
About this species
A large, banded grouper of rocky reefs and deep drop-offs off Korea and Japan. Young fish show bold dark bars that fade with age as they grow heavy and powerful. It hunkers in caves and crevices, giving brutal reef-bound runs when hooked.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
20 – 150 m
Habitat Spots
ReefOffshore
Fishing Methods
BottomJigging
Bait & Rig
Live bait or large cut fish on a heavy bottom rig over rocky structure.
Edibility & Taste
Superb firm white flesh, a top-grade fish for sashimi and hot pot.
Similar Species
Told from longtooth grouper by its clearer dark banding and rounder head.
Record Weight
55 kg