The Giant Groper (Epinephelus lanceolatus), also known as the Brindle Bass, Brown Spotted Cod, Bumblebee Groper & as the Queensland Groper in Australia, is the largest bony fish found in coral reefs, & is 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 metres long, weighing up to 600 kg; there are unconfirmed reports of its growing much bigger. They are fairly common in shallow waters & feed on a variety of marine life, including small sharks & juvenile sea turtles. Giant Gropers do not move around a lot, & generally take up residence in caves. They are bold & will have a good hard look at any intruder, giving divers a scare, but are not dangerous to humans.

This giant fish is similar to an Estuary Cod & changes colour with age. The Giant Groper has a large mouth & a rounded tail. Juveniles have irregular black & yellow markings, while adults are green-grey to grey-brown with faint mottling. There are numerous small black spots on the fins.

The Queensland Groper is one of many species you’ll meet when you dive the HMAS Brisbane. Enjoy the experience!

A Selection of Marine Life seen on the HMAS Brisbane Gropers, Eagle Rays, Bull Rays, Shovel-Nosed Rays, Black Blotched Stingrays, Leopard Shark, Wobbegong Shark, Barracuda, Red Emperor, Bonito, Mackeral, Cobia, Morwong, Damsels, Gobies, Blennies, Rabbitfish, Leatherjackets, Surgeonfish, Lionfish, Pufferfish, Batfish, Grinners, Grubfish, Anglerfish, Ghostpipefish, Yellow Finned Tuna, Yellow-Tailed King Fish, Baitfish, Corals & Sponges, Nudibranchs, Featherstars, Crabs, Sea Hares, Squid, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Algae, Ascidians, Anemones & Barnacles & many more!