Domain of the Blue Groper: Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve

The Eastern Blue Groper (Achoerodus viridis) is a member of the Wrasse family and grows to around 1.2m in length. Although all of these fish start their lives as females, some will change into males and transform their colour to blue. You can see both males and females (or perhaps immature fish) in the video. Persecuted by spearfishers because of their eating qualities and their inquisitive and friendly nature, they now enjoy complete protection from underwater hunters and have been given the status of New South Wales' State fish.
Best viewed in HD at 720p.

I used to visit Fairy Bower and Shelly beach as a kid to go fishing. Now 30 years later I returned to find the whole area is a protected marine reserve. When I donned a mask and snorkel I couldn't believe the number and variety of fishes in the bay. It seems that since the area has been protected it has burst back into a flurry of life. What a wonderful treasure to have on the doorstep of a capital city and so easily accessible to people who only want to snorkel. I didn't have much time to spend there on this visit but will certainly be heading back their next time I'm in Sydney.

How many different types of fish can you see in the video?

In addition to the Eastern Blue Gropers in the video ( there is also a younger one which is brown in colour) there are numerous other types of fishes. Feel free to ID any that you can. Below is a list of some that appear in the video;

Australian Mado (Atypichthys strigatus)
Luderick (Girella tricuspidata)
Yellowfin Bream (Acanthopagrus australis)
Maori Wrasse (Ophthalmolepis lineolatus)
Eastern Hulafish (Trachinops taeniatus)
Crimson Banded Wrasse (Notolabrus gymnogenis)
Hardyheads (Antherinidae) ??
Rockcod?
Garfish?
Damselfish?
etc

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• eastern blue groper
• blue groper
• Achoerodus viridis
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• bream
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• underwater
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• labridae
• freediving

[pseudechis]

I think they are Eastern Hulafish (Trachinops taeniatus). Great place to snorkel; first time there for me and I was blown away by the diversity and abundance of fishes. Thanks for commenting.

[HunterReptileRooms]

Thanks for the sub by the way. I was a master specialist instructor.have dived with these hundreds of times down south then the big northern ones. Where i live in QLD. Always following you:) i got Sick of not diving for fun. Unfortunately you tube has suspended me and am trying to get my vids off them. The unpoliteness of the internet is something i dont want to deal with anymore. So as for my channel i will be deleting it around two weeks. Sorry about that. Cheers mik good luck!

[zfind]

Makes me want to go snorkel there! What species are those that come along at 0:40?

[TheSmithers2010]

Kool Vid some nice sized Ludrick and the last bream right at the end was a good size,

[ssssnakeman]

I like this, i think im seeing at least 6 different species