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ANIMAL SPECIES:Mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)

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The Mulloway is a popular angling species that grows to 2 m in length.

Alternative Name/s

The Mulloway has also been called Jewfish.

Identification

The Mulloway can be recognised by its silvery to bronze-green colouration, moderately elongated body, caudal fin shape and the series of pearly white spots along the lateral line. The caudal fin varies from pointed in juveniles to concave dorsally in adults.

Size range

It grows to 2 m in length.

Distribution

In Australia the species is recorded from southern Queensland around the south of the continent and up to the central coast of Western Australia.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Mulloway specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

Mulloway live in temperate marine waters.  They are usually seen on offshore reefs, but also live in shallow estuaries.

Behaviour and adaptations

Other behaviours and adaptations

Common names for fishes in the family (Sciaenidae) include croakers and drums because of their ability to makes sounds.

Living with us

Economic/social impacts

This fish is a very popular angling species.  It is an excellent food fish.

Classification

Species:
japonicus
Genus:
Argyrosomus
Family:
Sciaenidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
  2. Gomon, M.F. in Gomon, M.F, Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
  6. Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & R.D. Ward. 1999. Australian Seafood Handbook, an identification guide to domestic species. CSIRO Marine Research. Pp. 461. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 6 September 2010

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X-ray image of a Mulloway

X-ray image of a Mulloway View full size
James King © Australian Museum

Mulloway otolith

Mulloway otolith View full size
Australian Museum © Australian Museum

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