Spotted Black Grouper

SPOTTED BLACK GROUPER

Epinephelus daemelii

DESCRIPTION:

The spotted black grouper is one of the only fully-protected fish in New Zealand waters.  Their colour pattern is highly variable and can change quickly from a uniform dark grey-black to a blotched or distinctively banded dark and light pattern.  Young fish often have a number of distinct black markings that tend to fade as the fish grows.  They are most common around 1-1.5m but may grow up to 2m long.  While not particuarly common in New Zealand they are reguarly seen in areas such as the Bay of Islands.

DON'T SHOOT THEM!