Potato bass rockcod
Epinephelus tukula
Brown spotted rockcod, Bruinkol klipkabeljou, Aartappelbaars
Potato Bass rockcod (Epinephelus tukula) are residential, predatory fish found on deep reefs, seamounts in areas 10 m - 400 m deep. It was a popular trophy fish due to its large size and inquisitive nature making it easy to approach. Historically overfished but showing signs of recovery. Potato Bass rockcod were listed nationally as Least Concern in the 2018 National Biodiversity Assessment. Potato Bass rockcod are fully protected in South African waters and fishing of any kind is strictly prohibited.