Fish ID

[Funchy]

Old mate caught this up near Bundy in an estuary. Was put back after a quick pic

Bit of debate on what it actually is

Thoughts

115190

[Crunchy]

I'm not known for my fish ID skills :-X but good old estury cod would be my guess.

[phantomphisher]

QLD groper is my guess.

[scottar]

I'll run with Queensland Groper as well.

[SHOOTER1]

Estuary cod from the photo

[Moffy]

Definitely Qld grouper - 3 factors.
Head Shape - has a "longer" head than a gold spot/estuary cod
spots on fins - are identical to spots on a juvenile grouper - this one is just losing its juvenile markings
general colouration - as above is moving from juvenile markings to adult colour - with the spots on fins all that remains from the juvenile colouration.

[phantomphisher]

^
IMO it can't be an estuary cod. They have distinct blotches and gold/black spots (depending on species) over their whole body at all sizes.

[Funchy]

Seems common perception is leaning towards QLD grouper which was where I was at.

[chris69]

What ever happend for everyone to have a fish id chart?.

[kingcray]

i assume most fishos do Chris, although not all fish are on the charts.
Sometimes the pics on them arent conclusive either.

[kc]

It is, without question, a juvenile Qld Groper.