Common Name: Eastern Blue Groper

Distribution: Common around the coastline and offshore islands in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Endemic to Australia it ranges from southern Queensland to Wilson’s Promontory on the south east coast of Victoria.

Ecological Notes: Found in shallow rock and boulder areas where it stays close to refuges offered by crevices and caves. Feeds on barnacles, abalone, other shellfish, crabs and sea urchins. Depth to at least 20m.

Additional Notes: Easily recognised by its size and colouration. Adult males are bluish, whilst the females are reddish-brown. Juveniles are light olive brown, and are often seen amongst alga in estuaries and bays. Large individuals have prominent fleshy lips and peg-like teeth. Grows to 1.2 m. 

References: Graham J. Edgar. Australian Marine Life, 2nd Edition, 2008. Reed New Holland Publishers. p.541.

Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=Achoerodus+viridis. Accessed 01/12/2020.