Local names:
Malay: Kerapu, Sunoh
Cantonese: Wong dai sing baan
Mandarin: 帝皇斑
The Cantonese and Mandarin names for this fish translate to emperor star grouper, likely in reference to its esteemed status as one of the best tasting groupers out there. It probably also comes from its bright yellow colouration. Yellow was the royal colour of Chinese emperors.
Fisheries information:
Countries of origin: Indonesia, Malaysia
Fishing methods: Hook and line (Indonesia and Malaysia)
Rare find in Singapore. This is one of the most sought after groupers, second only to the mouse grouper.
Culinary usage:
Steamed, Soups, Fried, Asam pedas/Gulais
One of the most expensive groupers on the market when they are available. Unlike the mouse grouper, only true grouper connoisseurs are aware of its status. They are seldom on the market but when they are they are very quickly snatched up.
Like most groupers it can be steamed, cut into slices for sliced fish soup, fried or used in gulais. For a fish of this status, Chinese connoisseurs would consider it a travesty to have it any other way other than steamed.
How to identify:
No other grouper in the wet market looks like the black-saddled grouper. Its striking yellow fins and bold black bands on a pale yellow body help it to stand out from the crowd.
A rare find of three black-saddled coral groupers at the Jurong Fishery Port. 30 minutes later all three had been sold. Note the almost neon yellow fins.