A rare predatory fish that grows as big as an adult human could be increasing in numbers off the Bellarine Peninsula, according to surveys.
Parks Victoria chief Dr Bill Jackson said the surveys of Port Phillip Marine National Park had recorded “increased sightings” of the western blue groper.
The protected, carnivorous reef-dweller can grow to 1.75m.
They use their peg-like teeth to prize off and eat reef organisms such as urchins, molluscs and crustaceans.
Dr Jackson said the surveys’ findings of “healthy fish and invertebrate communities” within the park were “good news”.
