Barramundi

The barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is a species of diadromous fish in family Centropomidae of order Perciformes. It ranges from the eastern Persian Gulf, through the Indian Ocean, up to southern China and Japan, and south to New Guinea and northern Australia.

Barramundi are usually a pale grey-green with a coppery shimmer, and can grow to a maximum length of 2 m (6 foot 7 in), weighing up to 60 kg (130 lb); specimens weighing 5–6 kg (11–13 lb) are more commonly seen, however. Of typical centropomid shape, it can be distinguished from the Waigeo seaperch (Psammoperca waigiensis) of the same waters by its closely-set nostrils and maxilla which extends back past the eye.

The barramundi feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, and smaller fishes (including its own species); juveniles feed on zooplankton. Catadromous, the species inhabits rivers and descends to estuaries and tidal flats to spawn. At the start of the monsoon, males migrate downriver to meet females, who lay very large numbers of eggs (multiple millions each). The adults do not guard the eggs or the fry, which require brackish water to develop. The species is sequentially hermaphroditic, most individuals maturing as males and becoming female after at least one spawning season; most of the larger specimens are therefore female.

Highly prized by anglers for their good fighting ability, barramundi are reputed to be good at avoiding fixed nets and best caught on lines. The fish is also of large commercial importance; it is fished internationally and raised in aquaculture in Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand. In Australia, the barramundi is used to stock freshwater reservoirs for recreational fishing. The fish's white flesh is delicate, mild-flavoured, and relatively boneless, making it a popular (and sometimes expensive) food which can be prepared in many ways.

L. calcarifer is also known as the giant perch, giant seaperch, Asian seabass, white seabass, and by a variety of names in other local languages. The species was originally assigned to genus Holocentrus , in the beryciform family Holocentridae .

References

• Queensland Department of Industries and Fisheries. "Fish Note: Barramundi (Giant Perch)". Fishweb. Updated January 2001.