Collection of the orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides from Tinagong Dagat and Sapian Bay in northern Panay

Abstract

In Capiz, northern Panay, grouper catches by hand picking, hook and line, shelters, and fish corral were low throughout the year, on average 1-3 fish from each fishing operation, but higher in Tinagong Dagat than in Sapian Bay. Epinephelus coioides was the most common of the three grouper species collected; E. quoyanus and E. malabaricus were not numerous. The 882 specimens of E. coioides from Tinagong Dagat measured from 3.6 to 39 cm in standard length; the 250 E. coioides from Sapian Bay were between 1.7 and 31.2 cm SL. The size distribution showed a modal length of about 17 cm SL (21% of the fish) in Tinagong Dagat, and 11 cm (26%) in Sapian Bay. Small juveniles 2–8 cm were collected from Tinagong Dagat in January-April 1993, but not in Jan-Apr 1994. Such small juveniles were also collected from Sapian Bay in January and in April–August 1993. Groupers 9–23 cm occurred year round, but the 9–15 cm group was more abundant from January to June. At both sites, groupers >30 cm could hardly be found. Both grouper habitats experienced wide ranges of water temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen during the year.