Dispatch Method:

Beware of the many small but sharp dorsal spines of queenfish when handling them. The eating qualities of these fish can be greatly improved if they are killed immediately by iki jime or a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding.

Fish Description:

• Body highly compressed (thin) with 5-7 darker blotches along each side, otherwise silver with yellowish tint around pectoral girdle and ventral surfaces of younger fish. Soft dorsal and anal fins with semi-detached finlets.
  
• This species grows quickly, reaching 28 cm in 1 year, and around 50 cm in 3 years. Maturity is reached at age 4-5 (55-65 cm).
  
• Growth slows after maturity, and maximum age is around 20 years.

Fish Distribution:

• This species occurs in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
  
• Adults inhabit coastal waters, frequently near reefs and offshore islands.
  
• Both juveniles and adults are occasionally found in estuaries.

Fish Size Common Length:

45-80 cm, maximum size around 130 cm and 16 kg.