The most-sought after species of lapu-lapu has been spawned in captivity by fisheries experts of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ant the Inland Sea Ranching Station in Puerto Princesa City. The high-value lapu-lapu (there are many grouper species) is the "Suno" or Leopard Coral Grouper which is highly in demand at a high price - as much as P1,500 per kilo live. The researchers who conducted the spawning in a cage are Dr. Arnil Emata of SEAFDEC-AQD and BFAR Center Chief Roberto R. Abrera. The spawning in captivity is the first of its kind to be done in the Philippines, the third in the world, after Japan and Australia.

Sarian, Z. B. (2002, August 29). High-value Lapu-lapu spawned artificially. Manila Bulletin, p. B-18.