Groper

Polyprion oxygeneios

A firm, lean and white flesh fish with few bones.

Groper are also commonly known by their Maori name - Hapuku.

They are widely spread around New Zealand waters, more commonly around the Chatham Islands and on the Chatham Rise. Some inhabit reefs and others live at depths of up to 400 metres.

Groper is a versatile fish option, it makes great steaks and smokes well.

Key Information

Family

Groper (Hapuku) belong to the Percichthyidae family (temperate basses).

Physical attributes

Groper are dark blue-grey or grey-brown on the upper body and a white belly. Their bodies are robust and the head is pointed with a protruding lower jaw.

Groper has a firm white flesh with few bones.

Sustainability

Groper is managed by the Ministry for Primary Industries using the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS). Regular stocks assessment are conducted to estimate fishery stock size and numbers. Scientific studies are also used. From these, scientists can estimate future stock sizes and catch limits.

Geographical location

Widespread around New Zealand, commonly around the Chatham Island and on the Chatham Rise. Some inhabit reefs a few metres below the surface, but they can also be found out to depths of up to 400 metres.

Market Names

New Zealand: Hapuku, Groper
Canada/United Kingdom: Wreckfish
Chile: Bacaloa de Juan Fernandez
Commonwealth of Independent States: Buryi kamennyi okun
Germany: Wrackbarsch
France: Cernier de Nouvelle Zélande, Merou
Greece: Vláchos
Japan: Hata, Ara
Korea: Dol dom
Spain: Bacaloa, Cherna

Locations Caught

Profile

Average weight

6.0 kg

Average length

80-100 cm

TACC i

1,491 tonne

Talley's catch

100-500 tonne

Nutritional information

Average quantity per 100g

Energy

425 mg

Protein

24.2 g

Fat, total

1.2 g

Carbohydrate

0.3 g

Sugars 0.3g

Sodium 100mg

Seasonal availability

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Not caught

Months caught

Peak months

Flavour and cooking

Groper has a firm, lean and white flesh with few bones. It remains moist with heavy flakes when cooked. It is suitable for most cooking methods including baked, fried, poached, barbecued and grilled. Groper also makes great steaks and smokes well.

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