Barramundi are catadromous fish meaning they are born in the ocean and then live in fresh water until they spawn. This is the opposite to salmon.
Barramundi tolerate a varied range of salinity. They are spawned in brackish water, such as tidal flats and near river mouths in mangroves. The juvenile males live in warm, turbid freshwater creeks, rivers, estuaries, or lakes, and up to 40 meters deep, where they can take cover around undercut banks, submerged logs, and overhanging vegetation. The adult females move into coastal saltwater systems, where they spend the remainder of their lives.
Within their lifecycle, Barramundi will change from male to female. They mature first as functional male fish and then undergo a change to become female. They need to spawn before they can change from male to female.
When males reach maturity at 3-4 years of age, they head down towards a salty estuarine environment to spawn. Females release up to 32 million eggs, which are then fertilized by the males. They need to spawn to change into females. They then move out into a saltwater environment. This is the opposite of salmon.
Mangroves can be found in coastal areas in many parts of the world but the climate and landscape of Cairns provide the perfect conditions that mangroves need to grow. The mangroves of Far North Queensland are some of the tallest and oldest in the whole of Australia.
Cairns is also home to an endangered species of mangrove, the orange mangrove. It was thought there were only 200 orange mangroves living in the whole world. This was, until the recent discovery of 50 trees growing on the estuary of Trinity Inlet!
Of the 69 species world wide that can be classified as a mangrove 34 species can be found in Far North Queensland.
Barramundi: an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Large Scale Silver Fish’. Barramundi are also known as Asian Seabass, although their scientific common name is Barramundi Perch. The scientific name is Lates calcarifer.
In the wild, barramundi can reach up to 1.52 meters in length, though evidence of them being caught at this size is rare. They can weigh up to 55 kg. Farmed barramundi average about 400g in weight and 35cm in length.
Barramundi are salt and freshwater sportfish. Whether you are an angler looking for a the excitement of catching this powerful fighter or food enthusiast, barramundi offers something for everyone.
In Australia, there are many sustainable fish farms with strict environmental standards, minimising impacts on natural ecosystems. Trinity Beach Saltwater Barrumundi Farm adheres to all standards. In Australia, there are many sustainable fish farms with strict environmental standards, minimising impacts on natural ecosystems. Trinity Beach Saltwater Barrumundi Farm adheres to all standards.
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