Blue groper Achoerodus viridis
Blue groper (Male)
Blue groper (Female)
Distribution - Blue groper are found in rocky reef areas along the east coast, between Hervey Bay and Wilson's Promontory.
Size - Maximum of close to 50kg and a length of over 1m.
Characteristics - Yellow lines around eyes, prominent fleshy lips & large peg-like teeth. The colour is very variable with adults: males a vivid blue, females reddish brown and the juveniles a greyish brown, brownish orange or green. Diet consists of crabs, prawns, shellfish and sea urchins.
Confusing species - The blue groper is a member of the wrasse family and should not be confused with the Queensland gropers (Epinephelus). There is also a similar blue groper (Achoerodus gouldii) found in the waters of South Australia and Western Australia.