Mulloway

Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus), also widely known as jewfish or jewel fish in Australia, is a large predatory fish found along the southern and eastern Australian coastline. It inhabits estuaries, coastal bays, and nearshore reefs, and can grow to well over a metre in length. The species is also found in South Africa, where it is called dusky kob.

Mulloway is highly regarded by both recreational and commercial fishers. Its flesh is firm, white, and mildly flavoured, with large flakes that hold together well during cooking. It suits grilling, pan-frying, and baking, and is a common choice at Australian fish-and-chip shops and seafood restaurants.

Wild mulloway populations have faced fishing pressure, particularly in estuarine nursery habitats. This has led to growing interest in aquaculture as a supplementary source of supply.

Wild & Farmed Source
photograph to come — from twenty years of markets, farms and kitchens

How it's produced

Mulloway is both wild-caught and farmed in Australia. Wild fish are taken by commercial line and net fishers in estuaries and coastal waters, and it is a prized target for recreational anglers. Key wild fisheries operate in New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia, with size and bag limits in place to protect juvenile fish and breeding stocks.

Aquaculture of mulloway has developed in South Australia and New South Wales, using sea cages and land-based tank systems. Farmed mulloway are raised from hatchery-bred fingerlings and fed formulated diets. The farming cycle takes around two to three years to reach market size. Farmed fish provide a more consistent supply and help reduce pressure on wild populations.

What it costs the planet (per kilo)

Carbon ≈5.1kg
Freshwater ≈3515L
Land ≈3.7

≈ Estimated from its category — typical for fish & seafood, not measured for this item yet. Sources & methods →

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