Banded Rockcod (Bar Cod) Epinephelus ergastularius
Bar cod
Distribution - The bar cod is found along the east coast of Australia from southern New South Wales to northern Queensland. It is a deep water species and is usually caught in depths of 110-370m
Size - Maximum length of around 1.6m.
Characteristics - Juveniles have 7 distinct vertical broad bands and adults are a grey/brown colour and generally have no trace of the dark bars. The fins are darker than the body and have white margins. The caudal fin (tail fin) is almost straight.
Confusing species - Large bar cod may at times be confused with either the protected black cod Epinephelus daemelii or the adult Queensland groper Epinephelus lanceolatus.