Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
200 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 68 kg |
reef-associated; marine; depth range - 50 m |
Southwest Pacific: Australia, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Kermadec Islands and New Zealand (North Island and Poor Knights Island). The Australian range extends from southern Queensland to Kangaroo Island off South Australia; also reported from the Bass Strait. |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8 |
Found on rocky substrata from near shore to at least 50 m. It is an aggressive territorial species that may occupy a particular cave for life. Small individuals feed on crabs and small fishes. Sexual transition reported to occur at 100-110 cm (Ref. 6787). Large individuals are often attracted by divers (Ref. 9710). An esteemed food fish avidly sought by anglers and spear fishermen. |
Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 18 November 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
harmless |
Fairly common at New South Wales (Ref. 88967). Museum: Queensland, USNM 42021, QM I.19399. New South Wales, AMS IB.854, I.16495-010; BMNH 1876.5.1.8 (Holotype), 1914.8.20.130; WAM P.27088-001. South Australia, SAMA F5430. Lord Howe I., AMS I.1793, I.17357-025. Also Ref. 4787, 5222, 7300, 8879. |
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