Baldchin Groper
VARIETIES | BALDCHIN GROPER
A favourite of recreational fishers and great barbecued.
Baldchin Groper is a local favourite among recreational sports fishers but are equally popular on a barbecue or dinner plate. “Baldies” as they are locally known are one of the best eating fish available with a firm, white flesh that is loaded with goodness. Because of their flavoursome taste, they are often cooked quite simply to allow their flavour to show through. Definitely worth a taste-test!
Don Hancey’s Cooking Tip
Like many West Aussies, I love eating baldchin groper. Its quality white-fleshed fillets don’t need much time in the pan to become a stunning and healthy meal. To showcase the flavours of this fish, I recommend pan frying fillets and searing them on both sides for a few minutes. Then, season and finish in the oven for 10 or so minutes.
Experiences
Baldchin Groper is available to purchase from most retailers, fish mongers and seafood restaurants. Recreational fishing charters also offer the opportunity to catch the fish in local waters.
Fisheries
Unique to Western Australia, the baldchin groper is found in the waters between Coral Bay and Cape Naturaliste. The species’ commercial catch is relatively small, with the largest annual catch being from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Managed Fishery near Shark Bay. As an indicator species in the West Coast Bioregion, the baldchin groper is used to indicate the status of other fish species in this region and therefore plays an important role in sustainable fishery management in Western Australia.
