Barramundi (giant perch)
Lates calcarifer
On this page:
This is a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Freshwater and Tidal waters for the current regulations.
Description
Barramundi are large predators, growing up to 60kg, but usually being caught at around 5-6kg. They can grow up to around 180cm, but are sexually mature at about 99cm. Belonging to the giant perch family, barramundi are similar in general appearance to freshwater perches and freshwater grunters.
Barramundi are among the largest and most important commercial fishes, as well as being one of Queensland's most sought-after sportfish. Barramundi provide spectacular angling, often leaping clear of the water to avoid capture. They are also capable of forcing their way through nets using the razor-sharp edges of their gill covers.
They are greenish-bronze along the back, silver along the sides, shading to white on their bellies. Juveniles have creamy and dark blotches, and may have yellowish pelvic and tail fins. Most barramundi begin their lives as males and change to females as they become much larger.
Habitat/distribution
Barramundi are warm water fish, being found in tropical coastal and freshwaters in northern Australia. Ranging from the Ashburton River in Western Australia to the Noosa River in Queensland, they move between freshwater and saltwater, during various stages of their lifecycle. Barramundi are found in estuaries and coastal waters during their breeding season. Larger fish are found in tidal waters where they feed on large banana prawns and surface fish such as garfish. They can be found at depths of around 40m.
Suggested further reading
Department of Primary Industries. (1997). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.
Grant, E.M. (1997). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.
Hollaway, M. and Hamlyn, A. (1998). Freshwater Fishing in Queensland: a guide to stocked waters. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.
Merrick, J.R. and Schmida G.E. (1984). Australian Freshwater Fishes: Biology and Management. Griffin Press Limited, South Australia.
Note: Some information in this publication may change from time to time (especially size and in-possession limits). You should contact your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the DPI&F Call Centre (13 25 23) for latest fisheries regulations and information.
This DPI&F Note is also published on the DPI&F's PrimeNotes CD-ROM .
Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.
Last reviewed 14 July 2005
