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Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790)

Barramundi
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Lates calcarifer
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Australia country information

Common names: Balga, Barlga, Barra
Occurrence: native
Salinity: freshwater
Abundance: common (usually seen) | Ref: Kailola, P.J., M.J. Williams, P.C. Stewart, R.E. Reichelt, A. McNee and C. Grieve, 1993
Importance: commercial | Ref: Kailola, P.J., M.J. Williams, P.C. Stewart, R.E. Reichelt, A. McNee and C. Grieve, 1993
Aquaculture: commercial | Ref: Arthington, A.H. and F. McKenzie, 1997
Regulations: restricted | Ref: Kailola, P.J., M.J. Williams, P.C. Stewart, R.E. Reichelt, A. McNee and C. Grieve, 1993
Uses: live export: yes;
Comments: Distributed in tropical coastal and fresh waters from the Ashburton River in Western Australia to the Noosa River in Queensland (Ref. 6390). Stock structure: Four barramundi stocks have been identified in Western Australia (Ref. 28140) and another study suggests the existence of at least 16 genetically isolated populations of barramundi in northern Australian waters east of the Ord River (Ref. 28141). In the Northern Territory, genetically discrete stocks were found to exist in different groups of river systems (Ref. 28142). The linear coastal distribution of barramundi, combined with moderate levels of larval migration, can explain the differences observed between barramundi stocks (Ref. 28143). Barramundi populations from geographically close rivers (within 50 km radius) are probably part of a common stock. Commercial fishery: Barramundi are fished in coastal waters and the tidal reaches of many of the accessible rivers of northern Australia. In Western Australia most fishing efforts is centred in Cambridge Gulf, King Sound and along the Kimberley coast, although small quantities of barramundi are taken from tidal waters as far south as the Ashburton River (Ref. 28140). In the Northern Territory, most fishing effort is centred on the rivers between the Victoria and McArthur rivers. In Queensland, most barramundi are caught in the rivers of the Gulf of Carpentaria, although barramundi are also caught in the east coast gillnet fishery (Ref. 28144). Gillnets are the primary method used to catch barramundi in all States. Gillnet fishers set nets in the tidal reaches of rivers and estuaries, and on coastal mud flats (Ref. 28140, 28144). Small dinghies are used to check and clear the nets and return the catch to shore camps or larger boats where they are filleted, packed and frozen. Fixed tidal traps are used to catch barramundi in the Northern Territory. In the Northern Territory, small numbers of barramundi are taken live for sale in the aquarium trade. Historically, Western Australian fishers supplied only local markets, often tethering their fish live in rivers until they could transport them to town. An increase in demand and higher prices in southern capital city markets has seen a marketing shift from whole fish fillets, which are easier to process, pack and transport (Ref. 28140). In Queensland, barramundi are sold either whole as fillets. Prices for barramundi vary around the country. Aquaculture: Research into the culture of barramundi in Australia began in 1984 with studies carried out by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries. This work was aimed at adapting culture techniques developed in Thailand to Australian conditions (Ref. 28146). Barramundi are now being farmed in Queensland, the Northern Territory and South Australia. Eggs for culture operations initially came from wild broodstock, and after hatching, the larvae were reared in a flow-through tank system until they reached fingerling size (30-40 mm total length) (Ref. 28146). Most operations now retain captive broodstock, and use extensive systems of fertilised brackish or salt water earthen ponds for larval rearing. This method has the advantages of requiring less labour and hence is less expensive than tank system hatcheries and larval rearing facilities for the production of an equivalent number of larvae. Furthermore, in extensive systems, growth rates are 2 to 3 times faster and the number of observed deformities is lower than in tank systems. Barramundi fingerlings are used either for stocking freshwater reservoirs for recreational fishing, or in 'grow-out' operations. In grow-out operations, fingerlings are usually stocked in floating cages in ponds where they are held until they reach a marketable size of about 400 g - usually in as little as 6 months. Growth rates vary, and regular grading of the fish reduces cannibalism on smaller fish (Ref. 28146). Farmed barramundi are sold as 'plate-sized' fish. These are scaled, gilled and gutted, packed on ice and sold as whole, fresh fish at the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne fish markets. Recreational fishery: Barramundi are caught by recreational fishers throughout their range, although fishing pressure is greatest on accessible rivers near population centres. Anglers fish for barramundi in freshwater billabongs and creeks, the upper tidal reaches of rivers, and throughout the estuarine and coastal habitats of barramundi. Most anglers use light rods and lines or handlines rigged with flies, lures or occasionally live bait. They fish either from the bank or from small dinghies. Recreational fishing effort for barramundi has increased in recent years, particularly with improved access to the more remote fishing areas in north Queensland and the Northern Territory. Barramundi is a recognised game fish under International Game Fishing Association rules, and is sought by anglers for both its eating and sporting qualities (Ref. 28150). According to records of the Australian Anglers Association the largest barramundi landed by a recreational angler weighed 22.2 kg and was caught in the Northern Territory. In the Northern Territory and Queensland, recreational barramundi fishing is a major industry. Many fishing charter operators in the Northern Territory specifically target barramundi (Ref. 28150), catering for the increasing numbers of fishing tourists. Resource status: As of 1993, the exploitation rate of barramundi was low, largely because of the management policies effected in each State. The resource appeared to be stable. Known from Mulgrave river, Wet Tropics, Northern Queensland (Ref. 40054). Recorded from Shark bay (WA) around to the Mary river (south-eastern Qld) (Ref. 44894). Also Ref. 3281, 9987, 13465, 36654, 84364.
National Checklist:
Country Information: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/geos/as.html
National Fisheries Authority: http://www.csiro.au/
Occurrences: Occurrences Point map
Main Ref: Kailola, P.J., M.J. Williams, P.C. Stewart, R.E. Reichelt, A. McNee and C. Grieve, 1993
National Database:

Common names from other countries

Perche barramundi, Perca gigante, 尖吻鲈, ... more

Classification / Names Common names | Synonyms | Catalog of Fishes(genus, species) | ITIS | CoL | WoRMS | Cloffa

Teleostei (teleosts) > Carangaria/misc (Various families in series Carangaria) > Latidae (Lates perches)
Etymology: Lates: Latin, lateo, latere = to be hidden.
  More on author: Bloch.

Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range Ecology

Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; catadromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 10 - 40 m (Ref. 7261).   Tropical; 15°C - 28°C (Ref. 2060); 49°N - 26°S, 56°E - 155°E (Ref. 54239)

Distribution Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Point map | Introductions | Faunafri

Indo-West Pacific: eastern edge of the Persian Gulf to China, Taiwan and southern Japan, southward to southern Papua New Guinea and northern Australia.

Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age

Maturity: Lm 44.5, range 29 - 60 cm
Max length : 200 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 7050); common length : 150 cm NG male/unsexed; (Ref. 9799); max. published weight: 60.0 kg (Ref. 28138); max. reported age: 35 years (Ref. 125591)

Short description Morphology | Morphometrics

Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Body elongate; mouth large, slightly oblique, upper jaw extending behind the eye. Lower edge of preopercle serrated, with strong spine at its angle; opercle with a small spine and with a serrated flap above the origin of the lateral line. Caudal fin rounded.

Biology     Glossary (e.g. epibenthic)

Found in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons, in clear to turbid water (Ref. 5259, 44894). A diadromous fish, inhabiting rivers before returning to the estuaries to spawn. A protandrous hermaphrodite (Ref. 32209). Larvae and young juveniles live in brackish temporary swamps associated with estuaries, and older juveniles inhabit the upper reaches of rivers (Ref. 6390, 44894). Have preference for cover on undercut banks, submerged logs and overhanging vegetation (Ref. 44894). Feed on fishes and crustaceans. They reach 1500-3000 g in one year in ponds under optimum conditions (Ref. 11046, 44894). Juveniles also eat insects (Ref. 44894). Sold fresh and frozen; consumed steamed, pan-fried, broiled and baked (Ref. 9987). A very popular and sought-after fish of very considerable economic importance (Ref. 9799). Presently used for aquaculture in Thailand, Indonesia and Australia (Ref. 9799). Australia's most important commercial fish and one of the most popular angling species (Ref. 44894).

Life cycle and mating behavior Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae

Breed in estuaries throughout the Indo-Pacific. Maturing male barramundi migrate downstream from freshwater habitats at the start of the wet (monsoon) season to spawn with resident females in estuaries (Ref. 27132) and on tidal flats outside the mouths of rivers (Ref. 6390). Barramundi spawn on the full moon and new moon, primarily at the beginning of an incoming tide which carries the eggs into the estuary (Ref. 28135). Barramundi are broadcast spawners that aggregate to spawn (Ref. 6390). Spawning aggregations occur in or around the mouths of rivers (Ref. 28132). While adults and juveniles are capable of living in fresh water, brackish waters are required for embryonic development (Ref. 6136). Female barramundi are capable of producing large numbers of eggs, with estimates as high as 2.3 million eggs per kg of body weight (Ref. 28134). Barramundi are protandrous hermaphrodites, i.e., they undergo sex reversion during their life cycle. Females are generally absent in the smaller length classes, but dominate larger length classes. Most barramundi mature first as males and function as males for one or more spawning seasons before undergoing sex inversion. A few females will develop directly from immature fish (Ref. 28132). Similarly, some males may never undergo sex inversion (Ref. 28132). Also Ref. 103751.

Main reference Upload your references | References | Coordinator | Collaborators

Larson, H., 1999. Order Perciformes. Suborder Percoidei. Centropomidae. Sea perches. p. 2429-2432. In K.E. Carpenter and V.H. Niem (eds.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 4. Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae). FAO, Rome. (Ref. 9799)

IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435)

  Least Concern (LC) ; Date assessed: 15 February 2019

CITES (Ref. 128078)

Not Evaluated

CMS (Ref. 116361)

Not Evaluated

Threat to humans

  Harmless




Human uses

Fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
FAO(Aquaculture: production, species profile; Fisheries: production, species profile; publication : search) | FishSource | Sea Around Us

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Estimates based on models

Preferred temperature (Ref. 115969): 25 - 29.1, mean 28.3 (based on 710 cells).
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref. 82804):  PD50 = 0.5006   [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.00977 (0.00619 - 0.01542), b=3.00 (2.86 - 3.14), in cm Total Length, based on LWR estimates for this species & Genus-body shape (Ref. 93245).
Trophic level (Ref. 69278):  3.8   ±0.60 se; based on food items.
Resilience (Ref. 120179):  Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.09-0.13; tm=1-5; Fec = 15,300,000).
Prior r = 0.58, 95% CL = 0.38 - 0.87, Based on 13 stock assessments.
Fishing Vulnerability (Ref. 59153):  High to very high vulnerability (70 of 100).
Climate Vulnerability (Ref. 125649):  High to very high vulnerability (72 of 100).
Price category (Ref. 80766):   Very high.