ANIMAL SPECIES:Mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
The Mulloway is a popular angling species that grows to 2 m in length.
Alternative Names/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 2m 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.
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
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
- 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)
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437. (as Argyrosomus hololepidotus)
- 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)
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X-ray image of a Mulloway View full size
James King
© Australian Museum
Mulloway otolith View full size
Australian Museum
© Australian Museum
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