Eastern Blue Groper (male)

Description:

The eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) belongs to the wrasse family Labridae, and is native to southeastern Australia. It is such a beautiful species, but despite the name, isn't a true groper. Adults can grow to over a metre in length, weigh up to 25 kgs (or more), and live to 35 years of age. Notes from the MESA Site: "Interestingly, the blue groper is one of numerous species of fish that can change sex over its lifetime. All blue groper commence life as females but can become male later in life if the local dominant male dies. Females are smaller than males and are often brownish in colour. Males achieve a rich dark blue colour. Juveniles start out as a green colour and then change to the brown of the female.".... http://www.mesa.edu.au/atoz/Eastern_Blue... The fellow in this spotting is a well-recognised character at this location. He's a large male. PS: Full credit goes to my niece Olivia Schoots, for this spotting and photos. Cheers, Livv. PPS: Here's a nice story about this popular species.... https://underwater.com.au/article/id/766...

Habitat:

Rock wall off Terrigal Point, on the NSW Central Coast. Species ranges from southern Queensland to Wilsons Promontory in Victoria.

Notes:

In NSW, the stock of eastern blue groper was considered to be significantly depleted by fishing, and a five year fishing closure was imposed between 1969 and 1973. In 1974 commercial fishing and recreational angling were permitted again, but the ban on spearfishing was continued. In 1980 the commercial sale of eastern blue groper was prohibited, and since then the species has been restricted solely to capture by recreational line fishing. (from a PDF document by the Department of Primary Industries) The IUCN has listed Achoerodus viridis as being "Near Threatened". Also, in 1998, the eastern blue groper was made the state fish emblem of New South Wales..... https://www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/state-e...