ANIMAL SPECIES:Potato Rockcod, Epinephelus tukula (Morgans, 1959)
The Potato Rockcod can grow to an alarming 2m in length, with a weight of about 100kg. In some areas it was common for divers to feed these large fish and this practice has resulted in some individuals boldly approaching divers underwater.
Identification
The Potato Rockcod is grey-brown with large dark brown spots on the body. It has small spots on the head and lines from the back of the eye.
Size range
The species grows to 2 m in length.Distribution
It occurs throughout Indo-West Pacific.
In Australia it is known from off north-western Western Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Potato Rockcod specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It is found on coral reefs.
Classification
- Species:
- tukula
- Genus:
- Epinephelus
- Family:
- Serranidae
- 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.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- 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 Potato Rockcod at 'Cod Hole' View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Potato Rockcod at North Horn View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Potato Rockcod with divers at 'Cod Hole' View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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