Overview
The Mulloway, also called Jewfish, is Australia's premier estuary predator. Can exceed 30 kg and catching one is considered a milestone for any angler. Hunts mainly at night and during rough conditions. Requires great patience and technique.
Identification
Large headWide mouthPronounced lateral lineLarge scalesSeparated dorsal finsArched backGolden stripesStrong first dorsal fin spine
- Body
- The Mulloway's body is elongated and robust, with a well-defined lateral line.
- Colouration
- Silvery color with golden highlights and paler sides, dark fins.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/slightly evident
- Growth
- Moderate, reaching considerable sizes in a few years.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Sciaenidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Argyrosomus regiusArgyrosomus inodorusArgyrosomus coronusArgyrosomus thorpeiArgyrosomus beccus
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, estuaries, ports
- Preferred bottom
- sand, mud, seagrass
- Geographic distribution
- Found along the southern coasts of Australia, also present in parts of Japan and South Africa.
- Micro-habitat
- Often hides near submerged structures or vegetation to hunt prey.
Prefers environments with turbulent waters where murky conditions enhance its predatory abilities.
Presence by sea area
Au Gbr SudPeak
Au Costa Est TemperataPeak
Au Costa SudPeak
Au Costa Ovest TemperataPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- fish, squid, crustaceans
- Secondary prey
- shrimp, cuttlefish, crabs
- Occasional prey
- octopus, mullet
- Feeding behaviour
- Opportunistic predator, mainly hunts at night and during stormy conditions, using its keen vision and senses to locate prey.
- Natural predators
- sharks, seals, dolphins
Adopts an ambush hunting strategy, using vegetation and structures to hide from prey.
Behaviour
- Activity
- nocturnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Some individuals migrate to deeper waters for breeding.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Primarily active during warmer months, with increased presence in coastal areas.
- Juveniles
- Young tend to stay near estuarine waters where they find protection and abundant food.
- Adults
- Adults may move in small groups or alone, especially during hunting periods.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- October, November, December
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Small pelagic eggs, very numerous.
- Larval stage
- Larvae are transparent with a prominent oil vesicle that ensures buoyancy.
- Sexual maturity
- 4-5 years
When to catch Mulloway
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
DayDusk, Dawn
NightNight
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
river mouthspierssandy areasnear submerged structures
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
surf fishingdrift fishingbottom fishinglive bait trolling
Other applicable
SurfcastingBeach FishingPesca A FondoLive BaitingSurfcasting PesanteSurfcasting NotturnoBeach LedgeringPesca A Mosca In MareSpinningSpinning LeggeroStreamerSurfcasting Medio
Recommended baits
live fishsquidshrimpcuttlefish
Baits by pressure
Low
Jerkbait affondanteJig head + softbaitPaddle tail softbaitShad softbaitSoft plastic grande (20-30cm)Vibe lure / BladeMetal jig medio (40-100g)
Medium
Calamaro interoCalamaro vivoCefalo vivoPezzo di pesceEsca viva (generica)Gambero vivoPinfish vivo
High
Beach wormVerme di sangue
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Fights vigorously, using its strength and the current.
- Handling
- Handle with care to avoid injury, especially to the jaws and dorsal fins.
- Release
- Release quickly after oxygenating, avoiding unnecessary trauma.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- One of the most famous world records for mulloway is a 56.8 kg specimen caught in South Africa in 2002. In Australia, these fish can reach considerable sizes, exceeding 40 kg.
- In the kitchen
- Mulloway's meat is white and firm, ideal for grilling and stewing.
- Cultural notes
- Mulloway is a highly prized game fish in Australian sportfishing, often linked to tales of large night catches.
- Historical notes
- Traditionally fished by Australian Aboriginal communities, it plays an important role in their food culture and storytelling.
