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Bass Grouper

Bass Grouper

Polyprion Americanus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Polyprion Americanus

Other names Bass Groper, Hapuka, Hapuka Cod, Hapuku, Longnose Hapuku, Moeone, Sea Bass, Stone Bass, Wreckfish, Groper

Size Up to 2.1 m (6.88 ft)

Weight Up to 100 kg (220 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Deepsea amongst rocky areas, reefs & shipwrecks

Depth Range 30 - 500 m (1,640 ft)

Interesting Info

The Bass Grouper is a species of fish found in the southern waters of Australia. They have a wide distribution, found in the waters of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia.
They have a distinctive appearance, with a broad head, small eyes, and a wide mouth full of sharp teeth. The body of the Bass Grouper is elongated and cylindrical in shape, with a dark olive-green or brownish-grey colour on the upper part of the body and a lighter colour on the lower part.
They are also known for their slow reproductive rate, with females producing only a small number of eggs each year.
The species is known for its ability to change coloration to blend in with its surroundings, which helps it to avoid predators and ambush prey. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, octopus, crustaceans, and occasionally other small groupers.
The Bass Grouper is known for its slow movement and relaxed behaviour, often just hovering near the bottom of the ocean.
They are generally a solitary fish and typically live alone or in small groups.
They are known to be slow-growing and long-lived, with some individuals living for up to 50 years.

Species Interaction

Commercial & Recreational Fishing

The Bass Grouper, is a highly valued food fish that is both commercially and recreationally fished in the southern states of Australia. The species is prized for its firm, white flesh and is considered a premium food fish.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Serranidae

Genus: Polyprion

Species: Polyprion Americanus

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Bass Grouper in Australia is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, the species is subject to fishing pressure, both commercially and recreationally, and populations in some areas may be vulnerable to overfishing.

Fish Taste Quality

Bass Grouper are considered an excellent food fish and are highly valued for their firm, white flesh, which has a mild and delicate flavour. The meat of Bass Groupers is low in fat and is rich in protein, making it a healthy and nutritious option.

Taste Rating: 5/5