Common names
Blotched jewfish, Spotted croaker, Jewie
Black jewfish
Protonibea diacanthus
- Saltwater
- Near threatened
Max length59 in
Common length39.25 in
Length typeTotal Length
Depth range17 - 328 ft
Max age8 years
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Black Jewfish are a tropical cousin of the Mulloway fish, very similar in nature. Many anglers get often confused with these two species. Black Jewfish have a large body and stunning look. The color of the fish may be dark bronze to pinkish brown on the top. It is silvery on the sides and looks yellow under the belly. It is quite darker than their cousin fish, Mulloway. They can produce distinct sounds using special muscles, just like their cousin fish. You can differentiate Black Jewfish from Mulloway, by the shape and color. This Black Jewfish is quite narrow in shape and very dark in color.
Habitat
Commonly found in cloudy coastal waters (to 60m) over muddy bottoms, off the sea-bed. Ascend tidal rivers and estuaries.
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific: west coast of the Persian Gulf and along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, north to Japan and south through the Philippines and Borneo to New Guinea and northern Australia.
Behaviour
Feed mainly near the bottom on crustaceans and small fishes. These fish are scavengers as well as predators.
Edibility
This fish is considered amongst the most-expensive variety of marine fish. Black jewfish, even the larger specimens, are excellent with white to pale pink flesh with large flakes. Usually, they have little oil and a distinct flavour.
Lure suggestion
Soft vibes and blades are productive lures for jewfish. When it comes to soft plastic choices the 3.2", 4.2", and 6.2" rubber Minnows are excellent choices. Good bait: live (best) or dead baits like squid, tuna, mullet, pilchards, fish fillets, prawns, etc.