| Family: |
Epinephelidae (Groupers) |
| Max. size: |
200 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 68 kg |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range - 50 m |
| Distribution: |
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. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8 |
| Biology: |
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. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 18 November 2016 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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