Teraglin, Atractoscion aequidens (Cuvier, 1830)

Scientific name: Atractoscion aequidens
Alternative name/s:
Geelbeck Croaker, Jew, Teraglin-jew, Trag
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    21/01/19
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Teraglin, <i>Atractoscion aequidens</i> Click to enlarge image
A 54 cm long Teraglin, Atractoscion aequidens, caught on hook and line (pilchard bait) at a depth of 30 m, near North Solitary Island, New South Wales, 22 August, 2013. The yellow mouth (and under the gill cover) are characteristics of the species. Image: Justin Mckenzie
© Justin Mckenzie

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Atractoscion
    Species
    aequidens
    Family
    Sciaenidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 1 m in length.

Identification

The Teraglin is silvery with a brownish to bluish back. Inside the mouth and under the gill cover are both yellow. The species looks similar to the Mulloway. The caudal fin of adults is concave and the anal fin is positioned more posteriorly than that of the Mulloway. The two species have very different gas bladders.

Teraglin, Atractoscion aequidens
A 54 cm long Teraglin caught on hook and line (pilchard bait) at a depth of 30 m, near North Solitary Island, New South Wales, 22 August, 2013. Image: Justin Mckenzie
© Justin Mckenzie

Distribution

It occurs in the western Indian Ocean and 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.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Other behaviours and adaptations

The Teraglin is a schooling species.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.