Scubareefing
Groupers and also for this huge Potato Cod Fish, are very prone to human threats because of the increasing consumption level of top grade Groupers or Cod fishes among us human race... We do know that we humans need to eat fish for proteins and collagen so our human body can function well and good. However, try your best to consume less of such fishes also, like the rare Blue Fin Tunas as well and if can, buy or consume from those sustainable breeding fishing farms. Never spear fish them when you spot them during your free dives or scuba dives underwater...
Where have we spotted this huge Potato Cod Fish? During the past few years scuba diving trip back at Australia, not last year's trip to Australia though... Have so much so much to share about this vast beautiful big fish... :) Wow...
The mighty potato cod of Australia and the Pacific grows to 2 m long and can weigh 110 kg (242 lbs or over 17 stone ).
It is a grouper, exceedingly territorial and very aggressive towards intruders. A diver has drowned after being knocked in the chest by one of these fish. The potato cod prefers coral reefs, although also occurs on rocky reefs at depths of 10m to 150 m. Groupers are amongst the most tasty of fishes and fetch a high price, but potato cod numbers, so far, are not at risk.
These fish take 5 to 10 years to become mature. Potato cods eat small rays, crabs, fish, squid, octopuses and western rock lobsters. They like to ambush their prey by hiding behind lumps of coral until their food swims past. They then lunge quickly to grab their meal. The potato cod's head and mouth are so large that it can pull in its prey in one huge gulp!
According to legend, a grouper fell in love with a pretty girl but swallowed her by mistake. She had with her shells which she used to cut slits in the grouper and make her escape. The grouper was unhurt and became the first fish to have gills.
As well as gills the Epinephelini group of groupers have big mouths and small teeth. They are top-level predators, mainly found close to coasts. :)
#WhereToFindPotatoCodFishesInSeasAndOceans #Threats #AustraliaWaters #DeepDive #LikeGroupersTheyAreProneToBeCaughtForHumanToConsumeAsFood
#Conservation
