About Argyrosomus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843)
Argyrosomus japonicus is a large, slender fish that can reach a maximum length of 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches). It has a copper-colored head, an overall silvery body, a bronze-green dorsal surface, and a paler belly. A distinct row of white spots runs along its lateral line. The caudal fin is angular in juvenile individuals, and becomes more rounded as the fish grows larger. This species has an Indo-Pacific distribution, found in the coastal waters around Australia, Africa, India, Pakistan, China, and Japan. Adult Argyrosomus japonicus are gregarious, and live over soft bottoms mostly beyond the surf zone, occasionally moving inshore. Juveniles are only found in shallow seas, and sometimes enter the brackish water of estuaries. Argyrosomus japonicus, also known as mulloway or jewfish, can occupy habitats ranging from the brackish water at the upper end of estuaries down to estuary mouths, bays, rocky areas, beaches, and all the way out to offshore reefs. They can also be found near urban areas, including locations under deep water marinas, boat moorings, bridges, and jetties, as well as around natural structures such as shelving rocks and caves. This species is accessible to most recreational anglers in Australia.
