Species
Black Cod
Epinephelus daemelii
Also known as saddled rockcod
Tier 4Eating7/10heavy tackleVulnerableNSWQLD
0 waypoints60–100 cm (max 200 cm) typical
Regulations
NSWQLD
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | — | — |
no-take, fully protected | ||
| QLD | — | — |
no-take | ||
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about black cod
Large temperate rockcod of east-coast Australia and Lord Howe Island, protected as Vulnerable. Once a common headland species — now strictly no-take in NSW and QLD. Release immediately if hooked.
Biology: Black Cod size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Reef, Rock platform
- Typical size
- 60–100 cm (max 200 cm)
- Weight
- 5–70 kg
- Depth range
- 1–100 m
- Diet
- fish, crustaceans, cephalopods
- Global range
- Southwest Pacific
How to target: Black Cod angling strategies
Generally fished with heavy tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- release-only — no-take
Safety & handling
Ciguatera risk: moderateAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.
Conservation
IUCN: Vulnerable
Recent community catches: anglers who caught black cod
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More information: black cod references & sources
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