Black jewfish (blotched jewfish, spotted jewfish)
Protonebia diacanthus
Officers of DPI Fisheries
This is a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Tidal waters for the current regulations.
Description
The black jewfish resembles the mulloway, but has a more pointed tail and lacks a dark spot above the pectoral-fin base. It is bronze-grey to blackish along the back and the sides are paler with bright silvery reflections. The cheeks are dull purple and the fins dark yellow. Upon death the body darkens in colour. This species can grow up to 150cm and about 40kg. Spotted black jewfish are sexually mature at 2 years of age and 62-63cm in length.
Habitat/distribution
The black jewfish is common in northern regions, extending from North Queensland coastal regions through the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Northern Territory. They can be found congregating in shoals off shore, and have even been seen shoaling beneath an anchored boat. They are also often found in coastal bays, tidal rivers and estuaries, on soft bottoms to a depth of about 60m.
Suggested further reading
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: f00063
Last reviewed December 2003
