Species
Estuary Cod
Epinephelus coioides
Also known as estuary rockcod · greasy cod
Tier 2Eating8/10heavy tackleVulnerableQLDWANT
0 waypoints40–80 cm (max 120 cm) typical
Regulations
QLD38 cm min · bag 5
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | 38 cm min | 5 |
combined cod limit; max size 120 cm | ||
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about estuary cod
Big inshore tropical grouper of northern Australian estuaries and inshore reefs, growing to over a metre. Targeted with live baits and large soft plastics around mangrove snags, jetties and rock bars. Excellent eating but watch ciguatera at larger sizes.
Biology: Estuary Cod size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Estuary, Inshore, Reef
- Typical size
- 40–80 cm (max 120 cm)
- Weight
- 1–30 kg
- Depth range
- 0–100 m
- Diet
- fish, crustaceans
- Global range
- Indo-West Pacific
How to target: Estuary Cod angling strategies
Generally fished with heavy tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- live mullet around snags
- big soft plastics on jigheads
- whole baits on heavy paternoster
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 estuary cod
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More information: estuary cod references & sources
Saved.