The scientific name of Black Jewfish is Protonibea diacanthus. The other names of the species are spotted croaker, Jewy, Black Jew, Blotched jewfish, etc. It is a tropical cousin of Mulloway fish, very similar in nature. Many anglers get confused with these two often. They are very hard to catch as it is a tough fighter and can grow in large sizes.

Black Jewfish have a large body and stunning to look. It is both sportfish as well as food fish. It has a distinct flavor to taste with pale pink flesh. The color of the fish may be dark bronze to pinkish brown on the top. It is silvery in the sides and looks yellow under the belly. It is quite darker than their cousin fish, Mulloway. They can produce distinct sounds using the special muscles like their cousin fish.

You can differentiate Black Jewfish from Mulloway, by the shape and color. This Black Jewfish is quite narrow in shape and very dark in color.

It is not quite tough to catch this species once you locate the school. However, it is very hard to handle when it is in biting mode. The fish schooling will be similar in size and easy to catch this fish species using live fish and baits. Juvenile fish can be spotted near the estuaries near the round bars and creeks.

You can use any types of baits to catch this fish species. Remember, these fish species are susceptible to barotrauma. The catch and release of this species from water deeper than 10- 15m are not recommended.

When you want to enjoy fishing off a few larger species, December to January is the peak period in the northern territory to spot few jewies. It is not an endangered species, however each state has its own size limits as well as bag limits.

Black Jewfish feed on crustaceans and small fishes. This fish species are scavengers as well as predators. It is easy to catch this fish using dead baits like pilchards, fish fillets, prawns, whole fish, etc. However, it is better to use fresh baits to catch this species