About Achoerodus gouldii (Richardson, 1843)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The western blue groper, with the scientific name Achoerodus gouldii, is a species of wrasse.
Distribution Range
It is native to the coastal waters of southern Australia, ranging from the Houtman Abrolhos in Western Australia to the area west of Melbourne.
Habitat Preferences
This species prefers habitats with rocky substrates, and can be found at depths between 1 and 65 meters.
Diet
Its diet includes other fish, crabs, lobster, a variety of molluscs such as abalone, and starfish.
Maximum Length
This species can reach a maximum length of 175 cm, which is equivalent to 69 inches.
Maximum Weight
Recorded weights for this fish can go as high as 40 kg, or 88 lb.
Lifespan
The western blue groper has been recorded to live up to 70 years, making it one of the two longest-lived recorded wrasse species alongside the foxfish.
Morphological Features
It has a single long-based dorsal fin, a large squarish tail, thick fleshy lips, large heavy scales, and peg-like teeth.
