Black Rockcod

The saddletail grouper (Epinephelus daemelii), known as black cod or black rock-cod in their main range in Australia, and as saddle-tailed grouper or spotted black grouper in New Zealand, is a large marine fish of the family Serranidae. It is found off the coastline of southeastern Australia and northern New Zealand, generally inhabiting near-shore rock and coral reefs at depths down to 50 metres. Its main range comprises the southeast coastline of Australia, in the state of New South Wales; New Zealand populations are suspected to be nonbreeding, so are a result of drifting larvae. However, spawning aggregations have been recorded off northern New Zealand.

This grouper grows to 200 cm in length and at least 68 kg in weight. The species is a generalised carnivore, preying on crustaceans and fish. It has a typical grouper appearance. Colouration varies from a dark grey-black colour to the more usual blotched or banded black and white pattern.