Epinephelus cyanopodus
A big blue-grey grouper turning up as an uncommon sighting off Queensland and Nouméa in warm 22.5 to 29C reef water.
A heavy-bodied grouper reaching around 85 cm, with a grey-to-blue-grey body covered in small dark speckles that thin out toward the belly. The head is broad and blunt with a slightly upturned profile, and the overall impression underwater is a bulky, slow-moving shape holding close to structure rather than swimming in open water. Colour can read more blue or more grey depending on light and depth, but the speckled pattern across a solid body is the main giveaway.
Divers tend to find this grouper holding station near reef structure, ledges, and drop-offs rather than out in open water, moving with the unhurried, deliberate pace typical of large groupers. It is generally unbothered by divers at a respectful distance, more likely to hold its ground and watch than bolt for cover.
Like many large groupers, it is a reef ambush predator, relying on a broad mouth and sudden lunge rather than speed to take prey by surprise.
No clear seasonal pattern shows up in the data, and with a comfortable range of 22.5 to 29C it likely stays on these reefs year-round rather than migrating with temperature. Plan around good visibility and site conditions in Queensland or Nouméa rather than a specific month.
Reef neighbours a diver could mistake it for. Use the identification notes above to tell them apart.
Logged sites are limited but real: one in Queensland, Australia and one off Nouméa, New Caledonia, making both spots worth targeting if this fish is on your list. It shows up as an uncommon find at each, so treat a sighting as a bonus rather than a guarantee on any single dive.
Mapping where Blue Maori Cod is logged…
Confirmed sightings come from Queensland, Australia and Nouméa, New Caledonia, though it is an uncommon find at both. Look near reef ledges and drop-offs rather than in open water.
There is no detected seasonal pattern, and its warm-water niche of 22.5 to 29C suggests it is present year-round on these reefs rather than tied to a specific season.
Look for a heavy grey-blue body around 85 cm long, covered in fine dark speckles, with a broad blunt head and a slow, stationary posture near reef structure.
They typically reach about 85 cm in length, making them a solidly built, medium-to-large grouper rather than one of the true giants of the family.
No, they are not considered dangerous to divers. They tend to hold their ground rather than flee, but they show no aggressive behaviour toward divers keeping a normal distance.
Site and sighting data is aggregated from diver logs, iNaturalist and GBIF. For taxonomy and conservation status:
Blacktip Grouper
2,734 sites
