Mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)

Scientific name: Argyrosomus japonicus
Alternative name/s:
The Mulloway has also been called Jewfish.
Mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus Click to enlarge image
A Mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus, with a school of baitfish at a depth of 8 m, "The Needles", Julian Rocks, New South Wales. Image: David Cowdery
© David Cowdery

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Argyrosomus
    Species
    japonicus
    Family
    Sciaenidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to 2 m in length.

Introduction

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

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.

Mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus
Mulloway xray
Mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus

Habitat

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

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.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Other behaviours and adaptations

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

Economic impacts

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

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)