Local names:
Malay: Kerapu tikus
Cantonese: Low shee baan
Hokkien/Teochew: Ngiau chee gau
Mandarin: 老鼠斑
English: Humpback grouper, Barramundi cod
All the local names for this grouper translate to mouse grouper. This refers to its unusual small, thin head which it uses to find prey in the narrow crevices of coral reefs.
Fisheries information:
Countries of origin: Indonesia, Malaysia
Fishing methods: Hook and line, Farmed in some localities (Indonesia and Malaysia).
Anecdotally, we have heard that this species is now hard to find in the wild because of overfishing to meet high historical demand. Most of the mouse groupers we see in the market are likely farmed.
Culinary usage:
Steamed, Asam pedas/Gulais
The mouse grouper is the most esteemed of all grouper species and correspondingly commands the highest price. The meat is regarded as the most delicate and tender of the groupers. Live ones go for $200/kg at the best Chinese restaurants and fresh ones go for $100/kg at the wet markets. The price of this fish is only outdone by that of the Empurau (Tor tambroides) which can fetch a price of $1000/kg when sold live.
You can also get them at cheaper prices in a slightly more unfresh state or if they come from farms. For a fish of this status, Chinese connoisseurs would consider it a travesty to have it any other way other than steamed but we reckon it would also be good in an asam pedas as well.
How to identify:
Unmistakeable grouper with elongated small head making it look like it has a 'humpback'. The body is grey or beige and covered in polka dots.
A rare find of three 2kg size mouse groupers at the Jurong Fishery Port.
Mouse groupers sold at smaller sizes at the wet market. These will have a much more affordable price tag.