Fish species in Japan

Areolate grouper

オオモンハタ · oomonhata
Epinephelus areolatus

Areolate grouper may chase prey above the seabed. Searching only the bottom can miss fish feeding higher in the water.

Habitat and season

Reef margins and nearby open water.

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

Soft plastics explore rocky edges and gaps for ambush-feeding fish. Contact with bottom should be brief enough to avoid lodging the rig.

Metal jigs are worked below a boat through the depth occupied by predators.

Greater amberjack · Red seabream · Areolate grouper

Red seabream · Japanese horse mackerel · Areolate grouper

Red seabream · Golden threadfin bream · Greater amberjack

Detailed recipes for this species are currently in Japanese. Open the Japanese cooking guide →

Detailed Japanese species notes

淡い褐色の体とひれに丸い褐色斑が密に並び、尾びれの後縁が白っぽいハタです。

背びれの棘に注意。大型の抜き上げを避け、届くネットを用意する。