Leopard Coral Grouper

Leopard Coral Grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) also known as coral trout, is a highly prized marine reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, and the Western Pacific. It is renowned for its striking red or orange body with blue spots and tender, white, high-value flesh. This species is in high demand in live reef food fish markets, especially in China and Hong Kong, where it is considered a delicacy.

Due to overfishing of wild stocks, aquaculture of Leopard Coral Grouper has gained importance, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and the Philippines.

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Learn more about Leopard Coral Grouper

All feed formulas developed by Aller Aqua at the Aller Aqua Research Centre follow these requirements to ensure proper growth and health:

  • Protein Needs:

Juveniles: 50–55% crude protein

Grow-out: 45–50% crude protein

  • Fat and Energy Needs:

Fat: 10–16%

Digestible energy: ~18–22 MJ/kg
High-energy feeds are essential to support their fast metabolism and aggressive feeding behavior.

  • Essential Nutrients:

Amino acids: Methionine, lysine, and taurine (important in fishmeal alternatives)

Vitamins: A, C, D3, E, and B-complex to support immunity and growth

Minerals: Phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc

Carotenoids (e.g., astaxanthin) may be added to enhance the red coloration of the skin

The range of solutions developed by Aller Aqua is suitable for each stage of the fish lifecycle as well as the following farming methods:

  • Culture Systems:

Hatcheries produce larvae and fingerlings; larvae are delicate and require live feed (rotifers, Artemia, copepods)

Cage culture is the most common method for grow-out, using floating net cages in sheltered coastal areas or lagoons

Some land-based tank culture exists but is limited due to cost and water quality requirements

  • Environmental Conditions:

Temperature: 26–30°C (tropical)

Salinity: Full marine (30–35 ppt)

Water quality: Must be clean, well-oxygenated, and stable

  • Stocking Density:

Typically 10–20 kg/m³ in cages, with adjustments based on feeding behavior and water flow

  • Feeding Practices:

Juveniles are trained to accept pellets, sometimes transitioning from wet feed

Feeding frequency: 2–3 times per day, often by hand or automated systems

Aggression during feeding can be an issue, requiring size grading to reduce cannibalism

  • Growth & Harvest:

Reaches market size (~500 g to 1.5 kg) in 12–18 months, depending on system and feed quality

Sold live in many markets, requiring careful handling and transport

A carefully selected composition of raw materials and verified feed formulas ensure that the fish is rich in minerals and vitamins, and at the same time that the texture of meat is of the highest quality. We make sure that fish grown using solutions provided by Aller Aqua offer the following benefits:

  • Premium Seafood Product:

Highly valued for its delicate texture, sweet flavor, and aesthetic appeal

Often served steamed whole or in high-end Cantonese cuisine

  • Nutritional Value:

High in lean protein

Low in fat, but contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids

Rich in selenium, phosphorus, and B-vitamins

Farmed Leopard Coral Grouper can offer a traceable, clean product, free from heavy metals or ciguatera toxin that sometimes affects wild-caught reef fish. Moreover, farming helps relieve pressure on overexploited wild populations and hatchery-based aquaculture can support stock enhancement programs and conservation in coral reef ecosystems.