About Achoerodus viridis (Steindachner, 1866)
Achoerodus viridis, commonly known as the eastern blue groper, is a species of wrasse. It is native to southeastern Australia, with its range spanning from Hervey Bay (or Mooloolaba) in southern Queensland to Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, including the eastern end of Bass Strait. This species lives in coastal waters, and prefers rocky habitats at depths up to around 40 meters (130 to 131 feet). Juvenile eastern blue gropers live in estuary seagrass beds. The diet of this species is made up of invertebrates, including various molluscs, crabs, sea urchins, and cunjevoi. Adult males of this species reach a length of 100 centimeters (39 inches), while females grow to less than 70 centimeters (28 inches) long. In 1998, the eastern blue groper was named the state fish emblem of New South Wales.
