Hapuku

The hapuku is a robust, long-lived grouper found in deep waters around southern Australia and New Zealand, typically below 200 metres. Recognisable by its heavy body, large mouth, and mottled grey-brown colouration, this bottom-dwelling fish can grow substantial in size and is prized by commercial and recreational fishers. Hapuku are slow to mature and reproduce, making them vulnerable to overfishing; they are often solitary, lurking near rocky outcrops and seamounts where they ambush passing prey.