Sydney marine life

Eastern blue groper

The eastern blue groper is the state fish of NSW and one of the friendliest fish you’ll meet underwater. Big males will swim right up to your mask to see what you’re doing.

Can grow past 1 mSize
Year roundBest time
NSW fish emblemStatus

Achoerodus viridis

What to look for

A large, thick-lipped fish cruising the reef. The blue ones are males; females and young fish are green to reddish-brown. Groper start life as females, and some change into males as they grow.

Diving with them

Groper are naturally curious and often follow divers, especially at Shelly Beach and Gordon’s Bay. Enjoy the company, but don’t feed them. Spearfishing blue groper is banned in NSW.

Where to see it

Shore dive · Cabbage Tree Bay Shelly BeachMax depth 14 m.
Shore dive · Cabbage Tree Bay Fairy BowerMax depth 10 m.
Shore dive · Clovelly Gordon’s BayMax depth 14 m.
Shore dive · Shellharbour Bushrangers BayMax depth 18 m.
Boat dive · Dee Why Dee Why WideMax depth 37 m.

Dive with us to see it

Sydney shore divesGuided shore dives in the Eastern Suburbs, Kurnell and at Shelly Beach, Manly.
Sydney boat divesTwo dives from Sea Life V, leaving Rose Bay and Manly.

You might also see

Eastern blue devilA shy, brilliantly coloured fish that lives in caves and under ledges.
Yellowtail kingfishFast, silver schools that circle divers on the deeper boat dives.
Giant cuttlefishThe world’s largest cuttlefish, and a master of colour change.

All Sydney marine life →