Achoerodus gouldii | |
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Achoerodus gouldii male | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Perciformes |
Family: | Labridae |
Genus: | Achoerodus |
Species: | A. gouldii |
Binomial name | |
Achoerodus gouldii (J. Richardson, 1843) |
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Dark blue = western blue groper | |
Synonyms | |
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Achoerodus gouldii, the western blue groper, is a species of wrasse native to coastal waters of southern Australia from the Houtman Abrolhos in Western Australia to west of Melbourne. This species prefers areas with rocky substrates and can be found at depths of from 5 to 65 m (16 to 213 ft). Their diet consists of other fishes, small crabs, various molluscs and starfish. This species grows to a length of 175 cm (69 in). Weights of up to 40 kg (88 lb) have been recorded. They have a single long-based dorsal fin, a large squarish tail, thick fleshy lips, large heavy scales and peg-like teeth. This species is of minor importance to local commercial fisheries.