Common names
Trag jew, Geelbek, Teraglin jew, Trag, Geelbeck croaker, Small lunate caudal fin croaker, Jew
Teraglin
Atractoscion atelodus
- Saltwater
Max length39.25 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight44 lb 1 oz
Depth range50 - 656 ft
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Teraglin are a species with a slender, elongated body and a pointed snout, a large oblique mouth with a slightly protruding lower jaw. Their base colour is silver on the sides becoming paler below, while the back is generally bluish-brown or purple in colour. They often have faint oblique lines on the back and sides and a black blotch on the pectoral-fin base. The inside of the mouth and gill cover is yellow to pinkish-yellow, compared with the reddish/grey/orange lining of mulloway's mouth. The caudal fin of adults is concave/crescent-shaped and the anal fin is positioned more posteriorly than that of the mulloway.
Habitat
Adult teraglin live around offshore reefs. Juveniles occur in inshore waters including deeper estuaries.
Distribution
They inhabit offshore reefs between Brisbane and Montague Island in New South Wales.
Behaviour
Adults form schools offshore. During the day, teraglin reside near the ocean floor but rise towards the surface to feed during the night. They spawn during spring and the diet of teraglin mainly consists of pilchards and anchovies.
Edibility
Teraglin is a notable eating fish. The flesh is reportedly great eating.
Lure suggestion
Teraglin are only caught around offshore reefs, not from beaches or in estuaries, with normal reef fishing tackle. Recommended lures are pelagic stick baits & poppers, duo jigs & Lucanus-style occy jigs. If teraglin are located there is generally a school so it pays to continue fishing for them. Good bait: squid, fish flesh, small fish (such as pilchards) and large prawns.
Similar species
Other similar species
Can be separated from the Mulloway by tail shape and mouth colour.