Japanese meagre
A large saltwater fish found across the Indo-Pacific region.
This species is a large member of the drum family. It inhabits coastal waters from Africa to Japan and holds significant value for both commercial and recreational fisheries.
- Grows up to 2 m long and weighs 82 kg.
- Found in coastal waters from Africa to Japan.
- Juveniles live in brackish estuaries.
- New South Wales stock is classified as depleted.
- Tail fin becomes rounded as the fish ages.
What it is
The Japanese meagre is a substantial saltwater fish belonging to the Sciaenidae family. Adults display a slender build with a copper-tinted head. Their bodies are primarily silvery, featuring a bronze-green back and a lighter underbelly. A distinctive row of white spots lines the lateral side. The tail fin shape changes as the fish matures, shifting from angular in juveniles to rounded in larger specimens. They can reach lengths of two metres and weigh over eighty kilograms.
Where it lives
This species spans the Indo-Pacific region. Populations exist along the coasts of Australia, southern Africa, India, Pakistan, China, and Japan. In South Africa, they range from False Bay to Mozambique. Australian populations stretch from Western Australia to Queensland. They prefer soft seabeds beyond the surf zone but also frequent shallower areas. Juveniles often inhabit brackish estuaries before moving to coastal waters.
How it lives
Adults form groups and hunt near the sea floor. Younger fish rely on mysid shrimp for food. As they grow, their diet shifts to include small finned fish and cephalopods like squid. They feed throughout the water column despite being bottom-dwellers. In South Africa, adults migrate north during winter and spring to reproduce. They avoid open ocean depths, staying close to shore structures like rocks, bridges, and marinas.
Breeding and life cycle
Reproduction occurs in specific seasons. Adult populations in South Africa travel to KwaZulu-Natal to spawn. This migration happens during the winter and spring months. Juveniles develop in protected estuarine environments. These shallow waters provide essential nursery habitats before the young fish join adult populations in deeper coastal zones.
Fish and people
Fishermen prize this species for its size and fighting ability. It faces numerous nicknames including silver ghost and river kingfish. Recreational anglers target them heavily. Commercial operations also harvest them for food. Management varies by region. New South Wales classifies stocks as depleted due to overfishing. South Africa imposes strict catch limits to protect the population. The large ear bones are sometimes kept as souvenirs.
Status and threats
Conservation efforts differ across its range. New South Wales lists the stock as depleted and overfished since 2004. Recovery programs have reduced daily catch limits for anglers. Despite these measures, scientific reviews indicate continued pressure on the population. Other regions like South Australia report sustainable stocks. Queensland lacks clear data on status. Overfishing remains the primary threat to healthy numbers.
Questions people ask about Japanese meagre
What does this fish eat?
Young fish eat mysid shrimp. Larger individuals consume small finned fish and squid. They hunt near the bottom but feed throughout the water column.
Is it safe to eat?
Yes, it is a popular food fish. It is targeted by commercial and recreational fishermen for its meat quality and size.
Where can I find it?
It lives in the Indo-Pacific. You can find it off Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, China, and Japan. It prefers soft bottoms near shore.
Why is it called jewfish?
The name comes from its large otoliths. Some fishermen prize these ear bones as jewels due to their size and appearance.
Good reading and sources
- Argyrosomus japonicus on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Argyrosomus japonicus", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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