📖 Overview
Blue maomao (Scorpis violacea) is a ray-finned fish of the family Scorpididae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 40 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 30 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Commercially fished and consumed as food, valued as a sport fish.
Scientific Name
Scorpis violacea
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
🐟 Physical Description
: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blue maomao is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous
📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 30 m . Temperate; 26°N - 48°S Southwest Pacific: Australia (including Lord Howe Island), Norfolk Island and New Zealand (including Kermadec Islands).
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.01096 × L2.99
(TL)
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Fishing Vulnerability
34.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Latitude Range
26°N
–
48°S
Described By
Hutton, 1873
🎣 Angling Guide
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Techniques
bottom fishing
popping cork
soft plastics
live bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimp
cut mullet
soft plastic paddle-tails
popping corks
Recommended Tackle
-
medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
-
30-50 lb braid
-
fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
-
grass flats
-
oyster bars
-
marsh drains
-
deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
Regulations Summary
⚠️
Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient |
Amount |
| Protein |
17.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) |
386 mg
|
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blue maomao has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg