Bluey the Groper

The Aquatic Reserve, Clovelly and Gordon's Bay.

The Tales of Bluey go back decades…

‘Cloey’ before Gordon’s Bay (Thomo’s) became popular was infamous for being the home of this giant blue wrasse the locals aptly named “Bluey”

Locals had coined “Bluey” as far back as the late 80’s early 90’s

The tales of this Bluey are many, but the arching history here is not unlike that of Tim Winton’s novel -Blueback (newly released film )
So if your a fan then a snorkel here is worth it!

‘Bluey’ was unfortunately taken out by a spearfisherman in 2002. Around the same time the area saw a steep incline in popularity and also attracted a lot of rock fisherman, The Groper population was being targeted and this all eventuated in a huge public outcry. Thankfully some clever folk decided on the creation of the Aquatic reserve. This reserve stretches from Bronte to Coogee with a smaller zone of no Groper fishing / spearing set between Clovelly & Gordon’s. This ultimately saved the Groper population and made way for the next Bluey in the reserve to step up and take the reign.

Bluey

Approx. reading time: 3:30 minutes

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The years Ive spent between Clovelly and Gordons Bay are countless.

I learnt to swim in Clovelly and spent the rest of my life between Clovelly, Gordons Bay and Coogee. When I finally decided to begin taking images underwater I began unintentionally documenting the Aquatic Reserve. So fortunate really, simply being active in the area over so many years has created an extensive library of what lives below and above the waters and the a cast of Groper characters that Ive watch grow over time.

That all being said, my observations are that Clovelly and Gordons Bay each have their own dominant male, so 2 x Bluey. No need to chase or touch, both will want to come and investigate what your up too if you can manage to stay still at the bottom for a while…

Bluey is remarkably friendly. He tends to follow me around like a puppy dog.

Some Interesting Groper facts…

Did you now that the Groper is actually a Wrasse?

So while technically not a Groper, its has the common scientific name of: “Eastern Blue Groper”

They change sex.

All Eastern Blue Gropers are born females, and some later change to be males! When they change sex they also change colour! If the male is removed from the small group the dominant female can change sex to take his place! (which happened in 2002)

The Bright blue.

The older the male, the more vibrant “Blue” they become.

They get old, really old.

Research on the “Eastern Blue Groper” suggest a life span of approximately 35 years, our friends in Western Australia have the “Western Blue Groper” and suggest 70 years? Either number, 35 or 70! is still incredibly long.

You can see the “Friends of Bluey” page for more gropers in the reserve. Some of them are very distinct and Im sure many of you that have already snorkelled here would recognise some if not all of them!