Majestic 163-Kilo Grouper Captured in Catanduanes, a Marvel of Marine Life

janimonow

Dec 15

In a remarkable aquatic discovery, a massive 163-kilogram grouper fish was captured by the locals of Barangay Cabcab in San Andres, Catanduanes. The sheer size of this marine giant, a species known for their indeterminate growth throughout their lifespan, left the community in awe. Renalyn Habana, who witnessed this extraordinary event, captured the moment on video and shared it on social media, expressing her astonishment at the unprecedented size of the fish.

Marine biologist Mylene Sadagnot provided insights into the nature of groupers, explaining their unique growth pattern and their capacity to grow up to eight feet, similar to the size of goliath groupers, the largest in their family. These remarkable fish possess the ability to change color as a defense mechanism and are known for their protogynous hermaphroditism, starting life as females and transitioning to males during their lifespan.

The task of bringing this colossal fish ashore was no small feat. Fisherman Joey Habana, along with six others, struggled for nearly an hour to haul the fish from the sea, overwhelmed by its unexpected weight. In a communal act of sharing, the head of the fish was distributed among the residents, while its substantial 111-kilogram body fetched over 17,000 Philippine Pesos upon sale.