Threats
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
There is a high demand for giant groupers in the live reef food fish trade of Southeast Asia. Hong Kong is a major importer. Small individuals, which are sexually immature, are valued as delicacies and commonly sold in restaurants and markets. The gall bladders are also sought after as dietary supplement. Though many are now farmed in mariculture, some individuals are still caught from the wild. Intense fishing has nearly caused extirpation in certain regions.
