They are valued for their excellent texture and flavor. The demand for grouper in the international market is fast growing particularly in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. The body color of grouper is light yellowish to brown with unequal spots scattered on the head, body and fins. From about 40 species of groupers widely distributed in tropical waters, two species (E. coioides and E. malabricus) are popularly cultured in either ponds or cages.