Queensland Grouper

Common Name: Giant Grouper

Scientific Name: Epinephelus Lanceolatus

Description

The Queensland Grouper has a large mouth and a rounded tail. Juveniles have irregular black and yellow markings. Adults are green-grey to grey-brown with faint mottling. There are numerous small black spots on the fins. The Queensland Grouper is reported to grow to about 3m and 600kg. The largest Queensland specimen on record weighed 288kg. It is one of the largest bony fishes living on coral reefs.

Diet

The Queensland Grouper feeds on spiny lobsters, fish, including small sharks and batoids, and juvenile sea turtles and crustaceans.

Behaviour

It has a curious nature and will often approach a diver at close range.

Life History

The male Queensland Grouper is believed to reach sexual maturity when it is at least 129cm long.

Habitat

It is often found in shallow waters but has been caught at depths of up to 100m. It is found in caves, on coral reefs and around wrecks. Juveniles and adults are sometimes found in estuaries.

Special Features or Habits

It is the largest of all coral reef dwelling bony fishes in the world.

Location or Region Found

In Australia it is recorded from the southern coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the southern coast of New South Wales.

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