Banded Rock Cod (Bar Cod)

Banded Rock Cod

Scientific name

Epinephelus ergastularius

Characteristics

Juveniles have seven 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.

Size

Maximum length of around 1.6 m.

Distribution

The Banded Rock 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 110-370 m.

Confusing species

Large Banded Rock Cod may at times be confused with either the protected Black Cod Epinephelus daemelii or the adult Queensland Groper Epinephelus lanceolatus.