As explained above
Argyrosomus japonicus, are commonly known by different names across Australia, but most Australians refer to them as mulloway or jewfish. They are a prized catch when it comes to fishing and are notoriously difficult to target. They are even fondly referred to as 'silver ghost', 'elusive jewfish', 'river kingfish', 'jewie', 'soapy' and 'silver slab'. Mulloway have a wide distribution in Australia, from the Gascoyne region on the west coast of Western Australia, around the southern coasts of the continent, and up to the Wide Bay–Burnett region on the east coast of Queensland. In Australia, the largest specimen of
Argyrosomus japonicus caught was , around half the size of the South African record. Despite efforts by fishers, a recent scientific review showed Mulloway are still overfished.
In order for stocks to recover, the review recommended that more action needed to be taken. Recreational bag limits were further reduced to just one fish over 70 cm.
Stock status As of 2020, the stock status of mulloway in New South Wales is classified as 'depleted'. In South Australia and Western Australia, the stock status is 'sustainable'. In Queensland, the stock status is 'undefined'.
Habitat Mulloway or jewfish can be found from the brackish water up the top of estuaries down to the mouths, bays, rocks and beaches all the way out to offshore reefs. They can even be found near urban areas, such as under deep water marinas, boat moorings, bridges, and jetties, as well as under natural structure like shelving rocks and caves. They are accessible to the majority of Australian Recreational Anglers.
Diet Although described as a
benthic carnivore, Mulloway are capable of feeding throughout the water column.
Mysid shrimp are important food items for smaller juvenile fish (<). As the fish increase in size the diet changes to include small finned fish, then larger finned fish and squid and other
cephalopods. == Kob/kabeljou in Southern Africa ==