Epinephelus tukula
Photo: Malcom Nobbs
What to look for
A massive, barrel-bodied grouper, pale grey with large dark blotches like potatoes scattered over the body, and a mouth that opens wide enough to swallow a fish whole. They hang almost motionless and let divers come close, then drift alongside at eye level. Smaller groupers and coral trout share the same bommies.
Looking after them
The Cod Hole cod are protected and the site is managed by the Marine Park Authority: feeding is limited to permitted operators and touching is out. They live for decades and the same individuals have been photographed for years, so give them room and keep your hands to yourself.
You might also see
- Māori wrasseThe reef’s gentle giant: two metres of blue-green fish with a hump on its head and a face full of tattoos, happy to follow divers around.
- Coral troutThe reef’s most handsome predator: bright red with a scatter of blue spots, lurking by the bommies.
- Dwarf minke whaleFor a few weeks each winter, the only place in the world where you can swim with these curious little whales, on the Ribbon Reefs north of Cairns.
