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QUEENSLAND’S MEGA FISH

Queensland hosts two amazing ‘mega’ fish experiences!

POTATO COD

Ribbon Reef, Far North Queensland

SPECIES DETAILS
Scientific name:
Epinephelus tukula
Habitat:                                    
Coral reef channels & sea mounts where there is strong current
Population:
Unknown
Conservation status:
Not listed, but protected in WA & the GBR Marine Park, QLD
Australian distribution:
QLD, WA & NT

Potato cod, also known as potato grouper or potato bass, are native to Australia, however, they can also be found in some Asian countries.

They can grow to over 2.5 metres (8’) and weigh an impressive 110 kilograms (240 lbs).

The world-famous Cod Hole, located on Ribbon Reef Number 10 north of Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is home the ideal place for a guaranteed encounter with these awesome mega-fish.

The Cod Hole’s resident potato cod are large, inquisitive and love to photo-bomb.

They make great subjects for underwater photographers as they easily approached and, often in the company of huge Māori wrasse.

Cod Hole’s beautiful shallow coral gardens provide perfect entertainment to pass the time while completing safety stops.

Cod Hole is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE

Special thanks to the Spirit of Freedom Team.                        

QUEENSLAND GROPER

Townsville, Queensland

SPECIES DETAILS
Scientific name:
Epinephelus lanceolatus
Habitat:                                    
Estuaries, coral reef caves and wrecks
Population:
Unknown
Conservation status:
Vulnerable (population decreasing). Protected in NSW, NT & QLD
Australian distribution:
QLD, NSW, WA & NT

Queensland groper (grouper), also known as giant grouper, are the world’s largest coral reef fish!

They are the most widely distributed groper in the world, widely found throughout the Indo-Pacific regions.

These mega-fish can reach up to 3 metres (10’) in length and weigh about 600 kilogram (1,300 lbs).

Queensland groper are long-lived, generally solitary in nature, and feed on fish including small sharks, juvenile turtles, crayfish and molluscs which are swallowed whole.

They have a curious nature and will often approach divers, and should be treated with caution and not hand feed.

There is a resident population on the Yongala wreck, usually found at the upstream end of the wreck.

Yongala is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE

Special thanks to the Adrenalin Dive & Snorkel Team.                        

Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair

DIVE DETAILS
Check with local dive services provider.

2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.

DIVE SERVICES

OTHER SERVICES

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