Overview
The Queenfish is one of the most spectacular fish in tropical Australian waters. The ultimate aerial fighter, it leaps repeatedly when hooked. Hunts in schools and attacks with great aggression. An exciting, visual fishing experience.
Identification
Long dorsal spineDark lateral spotsV-shaped tail finLarge mouthLarge eyesHighly compressed bodySilvery colorationGill covers with scales
- Body
- Elongated and compressed body with a large, powerful mouth.
- Colouration
- Silvery with blue and green reflections, dark spots aligned along the body.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/hardly noticeable
- Growth
- Fast, especially in the early years.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Carangidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Scomberoides lysanScomberoides tolScomberoides talaCaranx ignobilisCaranx hippos
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, open_sea, reefs
- Preferred bottom
- sand, rock, reef
- Geographic distribution
- Tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans, including Australian coasts.
- Micro-habitat
- Often found near reefs, hunting close to the water's surface.
Prefers environments near structures like coral reefs and submerged cliffs.
Presence by sea area
Af Indiano EstPeak
As Golfo BengalaPeak
As Mar Cinese SudPeak
Au Nw ShelfPeak
Au Nt TropicalePeak
Au Gbr NordPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- small fish, crustaceans, squid
- Secondary prey
- shrimp, crabs, other pelagic fish
- Occasional prey
- water insects, other mollusks
- Feeding behaviour
- Hunts in small schools and attacks prey aggressively just below the surface, using speed to chase.
- Natural predators
- sharks, sea turtles, large predatory fish
Adapted to diets based on pelagic prey, utilizing speed and surprise.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Resident, but may make small seasonal movements based on food availability.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Feeding activity increases in warmer months when food resources are more abundant.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles form small groups and tend to stay near the coast for protection.
- Adults
- Adults form smaller groups and show greater mobility in their movements.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- November, December, January
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Small pelagic eggs, floating near the surface.
- Larval stage
- The larva is pelagic, using currents to spread over wide areas.
- Sexual maturity
- 3-4 years
When to catch Queenfish
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
DayDawn, Dusk
Night—
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
reef edgenearshore watersestuariesopen sea
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
spinningtrollingfly fishingcasting
Other applicable
SpinningShore JiggingPoppingLive BaitingSpinning MedioBeach FishingRock FishingSpinning PesanteSurfcasting
Recommended baits
artificial luressquidshrimpsmall fish
Baits by pressure
Low
Metal jig leggero (20-40g)Minnow affondantePaddle tail softbaitPopper medioShad softbaitStickbait WTDFeather jig
Medium
Sardina vivaAcciuga vivaEsca viva (generica)Trancio di sardina
High
Metal jig leggero (20-40g)Minnow affondantePaddle tail softbait
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Leaps out of the water and makes rapid directional changes.
- Handling
- Use gloves to avoid injury from sharp fins.
- Release
- Ensure it's well-oxygenated before release, avoiding excessive handling.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The world record catch for queenfish is 23.64 kg, recorded in 2001 in Mozambican waters. This species is known for its speed and combat power, making it a prized catch in sport fishing along tropical coasts.
- In the kitchen
- Locally often grilled or fried, but not highly sought after in global markets.
- Cultural notes
- Frequently featured in sport fishing legends for its strength and spectacular fight.
- Historical notes
- A popular catch among sport fishing enthusiasts for the challenge it presents.
