West Australian dhufish
📖 Overview
Westralian jewfish live in shallow inshore waters and depths to over 200 m . They are present over hard, flat sea beds (e.g. limestone shelf) and in reefs, wrecks and underwater caverns and gutters. Adult fish move into shallower waters in the cooler months between April and June . Juveniles tend to remain in shallower water than adults and are rarely found in waters more than 100 m deep . Adults feed mainly on fish, also rock lobsters, crabs, squid, octopus and cuttlefish. Marketed as fresh fish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. One dark vertical band through eye which may disappear with an increase in size; 11 dorsal fin rays and 9 anal fin rays. Supraclavicle not developed into a bony shield. Peritoneum and gill rakers pale; lateral line with 44 to 48 pored scales; juveniles with wide dark horizontal bands wider than interspaces.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for West Australian dhufish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Female Westralian jewfish are broadcast spawners, releasing floating eggs into the water column; these are pelagic and can be carried large distances on ocean surface currents . Larvae feed on plankton .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 200 m . Subtropical; 16°S - 36°S north of Shark Bay.
🌿 Ecology
fish, also rock lobsters, crabs, squid, octopus and cuttlefish
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Glaucosoma Hebraicum is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 209 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for West Australian dhufish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
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