Spotted Black Grouper

The spotted black grouper is a true VIP, being one of the few marine fish legally protected in New Zealand. These giants can grow up to 2 metres long and are very "home-bodied" - they are so territorial they might stay on the same tiny patch of reef for their entire lives! You can recognize them by their five dark vertical bars and splotchy grey skin. Because they grow slowly and stay in shallow, accessible areas, they are very vulnerable to overfishing. While they are rare in mainland New Zealand waters, they can be found on the East Coast of the upper North Island and occasionally further south.