ANIMAL SPECIES:Queensland Groper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch, 1790)
The Queensland Groper is one of the largest bony fishes, and is the largest on coral reefs. The species has been implicated in fatal attacks on humans, but none are fully documented.
Alternative Name/s
Giant GrouperIdentification
The Queensland Groper has a large mouth and a rounded caudal fin. 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.
Size range
The species grows to at least 2.7 m in length and over 400 kg. It is one of the largest bony fishes, and is the largest on coral reefs.Distribution
It occurs in tropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific but is also recorded occasionally in temperate waters.
In Australia it is known from the southern coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to the southern coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Queensland Groper specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Crayfish have been reported as a favourite item of prey.
Living with us
Economic/social impacts
The Queensland Groper has been implicated in fatal attacks on humans.
Classification
- Species:
- lanceolatus
- Genus:
- Epinephelus
- Family:
- Serranidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Heemstra, P.C. & J.E. Randall. 1999. Serranidae. in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem. (eds) FAO species identification guide for Fishery purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 4. FAO. Pp. 2790.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A Queensland Groper at Curtain Artificial Reef View full size
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
A Queensland Groper at Curtain Artificial Reef, off Moreton Island View full size
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
Queensland Groper, Epinephelus lanceolatus View full size
Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz
A Queensland Groper at Cod Hole View full size
Tim Hochgrebe
© Tim Hochgrebe
An immature Queensland Groper View full size
Tom Mair
© Tom Mair
A Queensland Groper, 'The Taxman', being fed View full size
Mark Chandler
© Mark Chandler
Rete mirabile of a Queensland Groper View full size
Geoff McPherson
© Geoff McPherson
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