SPECIES

Yellowspotted Rockcod

Epinephelus areolatus

Available wild-caught, this bottom-dwelling marine fish has distinctive large yellowish-brown spots all over its pale body. Found in tropical waters over the continental shelf to depths of 200m and caught inshore off far north QLD, NT and northern WA, by traps, handlines and prawn trawlers.

DIVE DEEPER

COMMERCIAL NAME

Yellowspotted Rockcod

Method of Capture

Region

Other names

Yellow-spotted Cod, Areolate Cod, Aredate Cod, Green-spotted Rockcod.

Scientific Family

Serranidae (Rockcods).

Seasonality

Available year round, though supply is limited.

Size

Average 400-800g and 30-35cm, but can grow to 1.2kg and 40cm.

Price range

Medium priced.

Alternative Species

Other Rockcods (see relations, above), Bass Groper, Hapuku, Leatherjackets, Murray Cod, Pearl Perch, Red Emperor, West Australian Dhufish.

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

SHOPPING TIPS

Sold whole (gilled and gutted) and fillet form. In whole fish look for lustrous skin, firm flesh, and a pleasant, fresh sea smell. In fillets, look for yellowish-white, firm, lustrous, moist flesh without any brown markings or oozing water and with a pleasant fresh sea smell.

STORAGE TIPS

Make sure whole fish is scaled, gilled, gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Lay whole fish or fillets in a single layer on a plate and cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze whole fish for up to 6 months, and fillets or cutlets for up to 3 months, below -18ºC.

COOKING TIPS

Average yield is 47%. Has a mild flavour (with smaller specimens being slightly stronger flavoured, and fish from estuaries sometime shaving a slightly muddy flavour), low oiliness and moist, firm flesh with large flakes and few bones, which are easily removed.The thick skin is best removed. The bones make excellent stock.Score whole fish at the thickest part of the flesh. Cut thick fillets into serving-size portions to allow even heat penetration.

COOKING METHODS

Steam, poach, deep-fry, pan-fry, stir-fry, bake, grill, barbecue, raw (sashimi). A good plate-sized fish cooked whole.

Flavour pairings

Butter, capsicum, citrus (lemon, lime, mandarin, orange), herbs (including chives, dill, parsley), olives, tomato.

IMPORTS

Frozen whole fish and fillets of various Rockcod species are imported from India, Myanmar and Namibia.
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