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 Groper Polyprion oxygeneios, New Zealand - Hapuku, Australia - Groper Japan - Ara, France - Cernier de Nouvelle-Zelande, Merou, Greece -Vlachos, Italy - Cernia, Spain - Cherna, South Africa - Bafaro Average length 30-45 inches, average weight 13
pounds, ranging from 6.5-45 pounds. Occurs in New Zealand and southern
Australia. Similar to groupers or sea basses (Family Serranidae) widely
distributed elsewhere. Grey-blue to grey-brown above, white below, and has
small scales. Distinguished from the related but less common bass groper
by its more slender body, pointed head, and protruding lower jaw. Found
right around New Zealand, including the Chatham Rise but not the Campbell
Plateau. Most common over or near rocky areas, down to 250 meters. Main
fishing areas; are the deep canyons off the East Coast of the North
Island, Cook Strait, off Kaikoura and off the West Coast of the South
Island. Caught mainly by long line and handline, though occasionally by
trawl and recently
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set
net. Available all year round but landings peak in mid winter during the
spawning season, June-August. A small to moderate resource.
