Dispatch Method:

Beware of the sharp gill covers and dorsal spines of barramundi when handling them. The brain of the barramundi is further back in the head compared to most other fishes, which must be kept in mind when using iki jime. They can also be killed humanely by a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding.

Fish Description:

• Silver, olive-grey or grey-blue back in colouration, depending on water quality.
  
• Brown to golden eyes with bright red reflective glow.
  
• No markings on fins.
  
• Juveniles are brown to greyish brown with three white stripes on the head and scattered white patches on the sides.

Fish Distribution:

• This species occurs in coastal marine, estuarine and freshwater habitats throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region.
  
• Adults occur mainly in estuaries (mangroves and river mouths)
  
• Juveniles extend up rivers into fresh water.
  
• This species matures first as males around 50 cm long (3-4 years old), then changes into females beginning at between 70-90 cm long (5-8 years).

Fish Size Common Length:

50-80 cm, maximum size around 180 cm and 65 kg.