Fingerling Production of Orange-Spotted Grouper on Abu Al Abayad Island, United Arab Emirates

The orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides, locally known as hamour, is the food fish in greatest demand and correspondingly fetches the highest price in the local market. However, there has been a significant decline in natural stocks from severe over-exploitation in UAE waters over the last few years, as indicated by decreased landings. The high market demand and reduced natural supplies of the orange-spotted grouper make this species the top potential candidate for aquaculture in UAE