Species

Black Jewfish

Protonibea diacanthus

Also known as blackspotted croaker

Tier 3Eating8/10medium tackleQLDWANT

43 waypoints60–110 cm (max 150 cm) typical

Regulations

QLD75 cm min · bag 1WA70 cm min · bag 1NT60 cm min · bag 1

State	Size	Bag
QLD	75 cm min	1
WA	70 cm min	1
NT	60 cm min	1

Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.

Overview: about black jewfish

Northern Australian jewfish found around inshore reefs, headlands and creek mouths from WA across the NT and into northern QLD. Targeted with live baits and big soft plastics around tide changes — often near isolated structure. Tightly regulated due to swim-bladder trade pressure; check state rules carefully.

Biology: Black Jewfish size, diet & habitat

Habitat: Estuary, Inshore, Reef
Typical size: 60–110 cm (max 150 cm)
Weight: 5–25 kg (max 45 kg)
Depth range: 3–100 m
Diet: prawns, squid, small fish
Most active: crepuscular
Global range: Indo-West Pacific tropics

How to target: Black Jewfish angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

live mullet or herring on a running sinker rig around inshore reefs and wrecks
soft plastics and slow-pitch jigs over isolated bommies
fresh squid baits anchored over rubble bottom on tide changes

Safety & handling

Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.

In the same waters

saltwater crocodiles in NT/Kimberley/Gulf estuaries
bull sharks tax hooked fish around inshore wrecks

Conservation

IUCN: Least Concern

Targeted by black-market trade for swim bladders; tight bag limits.

Recent community catches: anglers who caught black jewfish

No black jewfish catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: black jewfish fishing spots in Australia

Northern Territory38

Queensland3

Western Australia2

More information: black jewfish references & sources

Log catch

Black Jewfish

Regulations

AboutOverview: about black jewfish

Habitat & biologyBiology: Black Jewfish size, diet & habitat

Best baits & luresHow to target: Black Jewfish angling strategies