The western blue groper (Achoerodus gouldii) is a species of wrasse native to coastal waters of southern Australia from the Houtman Abrolhos in Western Australia to west of Melbourne.

This species prefers areas with rocky substrates and can be found at depths of from 1 to 65 m. Their diet consists of other fishes, crabs, lobster, various molluscs including abalone, and starfish.

[5] The species was formally described by the naturalist John Richardson in 1843 from a specimen taken to the British Museum (Natural History) by John Gould,[6] who Richardson honoured in the specific name he gave to this fish.

Conservationists and some scientists argue that state-wide protection is needed to achieve ecologically meaningful results.

In light of the fact that it's the top order territorial bony rocky reef fish in this State[citation needed], full protection should[according to whom?]