Banded Rockcod, Epinephelus ergastularius Whitley, 1930
Barcod, Down-under Grouper, Grey-banded Rock-cod, Sevenbar Grouper
Introduction
The Banded Rockcod only occurs along the eastern Australian coast. The species can be recognised by its colouration.
Identification
Juvenile Banded Rockcod are brown with seven dark bands on the body. The pale spaces between the second and third bars and the fourth and fifth are narrower than those between the fourth and fifth bars and the fifth and sixth. Adults are pinkish grey. They lack the dark bands of younger fish. The white-margined fins are darker than the body.
Habitat
Adults are caught at depths between 108 m and 370 m. Juveniles have been recorded from depths of 15 m to 128 m.
Distribution
The species is endemic to Australia, occurring from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Economic impacts
The species is commonly caught on hook and line.
References
- Heemstra, P.C. & J.E. Randall. 1999. Serranidae. Groupers and sea basses in Carpenter, K.E & V.H. Niem (ed). pp 2442-2547. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 4.. FAO species identification guide for Fishery purposes. FAO.