Hapuku

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.

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 m and 70 kg in weight.

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.