Hapuka Polyprion oxygeneios
Distribution - Inhabits deep offshore waters to approximately 200 fathoms in southern NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and southern Western Australia.
Size - Reaches a maximum length of approximately 1.8 metres and 70 kg in weight.
Characteristics - Hapuka is a heavy-bodied, square-tailed fish, with a base colour that varies from silvery-blue to pinkish-brown. The distinctive head shape and unusually large mouth best identify this species, with the gape of its mouth extending back beyond the rear border of the eye.
Confusing species - Very similar to bass groper (Polyprion moeone), with details such as minor variations in colour and fin-spine length used to differentiate between these species. Also known as hapuku and New Zealand groper.