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A giant pale-grey grouper marked with large dark potato-shaped blotches, famous among Red Sea divers for its curious, almost tame behaviour. Its great size and homebody habits make it extremely vulnerable to spearfishing and overfishing.
This is a protected or non-target species — please don't fish for it. If it's accidentally hooked, release it quickly and unharmed.
Eating & safety
Protected and best admired underwater; its huge mouth and spines can injure if harassed.
Stung or poisoned? First-aid steps →Best conditions: Deep offshore reefs and pinnacles; primarily a protected dive attraction, not a target
Individual potato cod become so familiar with divers at sites like Egypt's offshore reefs that they accept hand contact.