Mangrove jack (sea perch)
Lutjanus argentimaculatus

Officers of DPI Fisheries

This is a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Freshwater and Tidal waters for the current regulations.

Description

Mangrove jack are energetic and powerful fighters. They reach weights of up to 16kg (150cm). They reach maturity in just over 3 years, and they are 54-55cm in length at this stage. Young fish are generally uniformly reddish-brown or copper coloured, becoming paler in reef waters and often with a pearly mark in the centre of each scale. Colour may vary depending on a particular habitat. Reef fish tend to be lighter and brighter than fish caught in estuaries. Mangrove jack are also known as red bream or even dog bream due to the sharp dog-like teeth in their upper jaw.

Habitat/distribution

Mangrove jack are marine fish, however juveniles commonly enter mangrove estuaries and rivers to the extent of the tidal influence. Adults prefer sheltered inshore coral reefs, especially offshore trawling grounds to depths of 120m and heavily silted areas. They are widely distributed in both estuaries and reef waters along the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef. They also range into northern New South Wales, the Northern Territory and north-west Western Australia.

Further information

Department of Primary Industries. (2002). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.

Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.

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 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.

File No: f00072
Last updated 29 April 2004