Giant Grouper ~ Epinephelus lanceolatus

Giant Grouper ~ Epinephelus lanceolatus

The giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus), also known as the brindle bass , brown spotted cod , bumblebee grouper and as the Queensland groper in Australia, is the largest bony fish found in coral reefs, and the aquatic emblem of Queensland, Australia. It is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, with the exception of the Persian Gulf. The species can grow as large as 2.7 meters (9 ft) long, weighing up to 600 kg (1320 lb); there are unconfirmed reports of it growing much bigger. They are fairly common in shallow waters and feed on a variety of marine life, including small sharks and juvenile sea turtles.

They do not move a lot and take up residence in caves. They are bold and will take a good hard look at any intruder, giving divers a scare, but are not dangerous to man. This giant fish is similar to an Estuary Cod and colour changes with age. The giant grouper has a large mouth and a rounded tail. Juveniles have irregular black and yellow markings, while adults are green-grey to grey-brown with faint mottling. There are numerous small black spots on the fins.