Lapu Lapu fish is popular and found mainly in warm waters. It is highly popular mainly among the people mainly for its tasty meat and also for beautiful colors. The Lapu Lapu typically live in the ocean, especially around the coral reefs. It is very common and highly popular in the Philippines.
Lapu Lapu fish is a big fish, and they have a thick body and a large mouth. Their skin is usually a mix of colors. Their common coloration are green, brown, and even bright blue.
Lapu Lapu fish is mainly popular for its tasty meat, delicious flavor, and beautiful colors. The meat is soft and can be cooked in many different ways. It is a very healthy fish and it is especially rich in protein and also contains good fats.
What is Lapu Lapu fish?
Lapu Lapu is a type of fish belonging to the grouper family. It is mainly found in warm and shallow waters, particularly around coral reefs.
Lapu Lapu fish in English
The English name for Lapu Lapu fish is “Grouper“. It is widely known by this name in the English spoken countries.
Characteristics
The Lapu Lapu fish have distinctive physical characteristics. They have a robust and stocky build body, which is relatively thick and muscular. Their head is large with a broad mouth, often equipped with sharp teeth. They can display a variety of colors, including shades of green, brown and sometimes even bright blue or yellow.
They typically have long dorsal fins that extend down to their back, and are usually spiny at the front. They also have quite large pectoral fins.
Size and weight
Lapu Lapu fish can reach 60 cm to 1 meter length. Some fish can grow even larger, sometimes up to 1.2 meters or even more. Depending upon the species and age, these fish can reach between 10 to 50 pounds body weight.
Diet
The Lapu Lapu fish are carnivorous and have a varied diet that typically include small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Actually, their diet can vary based on their natural habitat and the availability of food in their environment.
Reproduction
Lapu Lapu fish typically spawn during the warmer months. Although, exact timing can vary based on the species and environmental conditions. They generally reach maturity and become ready for breeding at around their 2 to 4 years of age. Females release eggs into the water and the males release sperm to fertilize them. After few days, the fertilized eggs hatch into larvae and they gradually become mature.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Lapu Lapu fish is between 10 to 20 years. Although, some fish can live as long as 30 years.
Uses
The Lapu Lapu fish is mainly used as food. It is very tasty and popular among the people mainly for its taste and flavor.
Cooking
The Lapu Lapu fish can be cooked in many different ways. Some most common and popular cooking ways are grilling, steaming, frying and baking.
Grilling: Grilling is the most common and popular way for cooking this fish. For grilling, clean and fillet the fish first, and then marinate with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Then grill for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Steaming: Steaming is another popular way of cooking Lapu Lapu fish. Season the whole fish with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and your favorite herbs. If you like, you can also stuff the fish with vegetables. Then place the fish in a steamer for about 20-30 minutes.
Frying: Coat fillets in flour after seasoning, and then deep fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Fry about 5-7 minutes per side.
Baking: Baking is a healthy option for enjoying this fish. For baking, place the fish in a baking dish and season with herbs, lemon and butter. And then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition and health benefits
The Lapu Lapu is a highly nutritious fish. Here is the approximate nutritional value per 100 grams serving:
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Protein: 20-22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: ~0.2 grams
- Cholesterol: 60-70 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Vitamin B12: ~2.5 µg (about 100% of the Daily Value)
- Selenium: ~40 µg (about 57% of the Daily Value)
- Phosphorus: ~200 mg (about 20% of the Daily Value)
Price
Exact price of the Lapu Lapu fish can vary depending on numerous factors such as location, availability, and freshness. Average price of the fresh Lapu Lapu is between $15 to $30 per pound. But the frozen fish are much cheaper, and average price ranging from $10 to $20 per pound.
Frequently asked questions
People often ask questions related to Lapu Lapu fish. Here we are trying to list and answer the most common and frequently asked questions about this fish species.
How much is Lapu Lapu fish in the Philippines?
Average price of fresh Lapu Lapu is between ₱400 to ₱800 per kilogram.
How to cook Lapu Lapu fish?
Cooking the Lapu Lapu fish is very easy and simple. And you can cook the fish in many different ways. Some common and popular cooking ways are grilling, frying, baking and steaming.
Is Lapu Lapu fish high in uric acid?
Actually, the Lapu Lapu fish is generally considered to be low to moderate in purines. Purines are compounds that can lead to the production of uric acid in the body. Lapu Lapu are not as high in purines as some other seafood. Although, people with specific conditions like gout or high uric acid levels should consume in moderation.
