Northern saratoga (northern spotted barramundi)
Scleropages jardinii

Officers of DPI Fisheries

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

Description

The northern saratoga grows to around 75cm. At sexual maturity these fish are around 48-49cm in length. They are dark brown along the back, graduating to a pink belly. They have three to four orange spots on each scale, which form a crescent pattern. This feature can be used to distinguish them from the southern saratoga. Saratoga have strongly compressed bodies, a sloping lower jaw and short fleshy barbels on the chin.

Habitat/distribution

Northern saratoga occupy the upper reaches of fast-flowing streams and still billabongs. Unlike the southern species, they prefer clear streams and rivers. Northern saratoga are widely distributed in northern Queensland river systems, south from the Jardine River and throughout the Gulf of Carpentaria.

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.

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 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 Fisherie s 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: f00106
Last updated: 18 December 2003