They are found in the coastal waters of southern Australia and distinguished by the bright blue colouring of the adult males.

The thick-bodied blue gropers have peg teeth, heavy scales, large tails and thick lips.

It's considered the state fish symbol for the territory and it is illegal to spear blue groper.

They are extremely inquisitive, and while it is now discouraged to feed them by cutting up urchins, they still will approach divers as if expecting to be fed.

In 1998, the eastern blue groper was made the state fish emblem of New South Wales.