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Queenfish (giant queenfish)
Scomberoides commersonnianus

Officers of DPI Fisheries

Queenfish

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

Description

The queenfish is the largest of 4 species of queenfish found in Australian waters. They are powerful, swift pelagic fish and grow to more than 120cm (14kg). They are sexually mature at 63cm. This species is silvery-grey in colour with bronze patches on the head and dorsal surface. Large fish often have a bright yellow throat, breast and belly. All live fish of this species have a series of silvery spots along their sides above the lateral line, which become dusky with death. This species is also distinguished by its spiny dorsal fin which has short off-set spines resembling barbed-wire.

Habitat/distribution

Queenfish occur in tropical waters over the continental shelf, often in very shallow water. They generally occur alone or in small schools. They can be seen along the Queensland coastline from Fraser Island northwards across the top of Australia and into northern Western Australian waters. These fish also inhabit reefs, island shores and estuaries.

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: f00083
Last updated 19 December 2003