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Estuary cod (rock cod)
Epinephelus coioides

Officers of DPI Fisheries

estuary cod

This is a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Tidal waters for the current regulations.

Description

The estuary cod has a characteristic large mouth. Their head, body and fins are olive green or creamy brown, covered with brownish, orange spots, either rounded or oblong, and they have five blotchy dark bars across the body. This species reaches up to around 230cm in length (230kg). They live for around 17 years and are mature at about 4 years of age (49cm). Estuary cod are carnivorous, being major predators of fishes and benthic invertebrates such as prawns and crabs.

Habitat/distribution

Estuary cod inhabit tropical and subtropical waters. They occur on coral reefs and rocky sea beds in turbid areas, to depths of 100m. They are often found in brackish water over mud and rubble. They make frequent use of shelters, which suggests an ambush method of feeding. Younger fish are commonly caught in estuaries.

Further information

Department of Primary Industries. (2002). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.

Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.

Note: Some information in this publication may change from time to time (especially size and in-possession limits). You should contact your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the DPI&F Call Centre (13 25 23) for latest fisheries regulations and information.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI&F's PrimeNotes CD-ROM.

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries  Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.

File No: f00042
Last reviewed December 2003