Barramundi

Barramundi is a species of catadromous fish with the scientific name *Lates calcarifer*.

Barramundi is a species of catadromous fish with the scientific name *Lates calcarifer*. It is also known as Asian sea bass or giant sea perch and is native to the Indo-West Pacific, including northern Australia and parts of Asia. The species lives in freshwater, brackish, and marine habitats and is important in both commercial fishing and aquaculture.

Taxonomy and naming

Barramundi is the common Australian name for *Lates calcarifer*. Other common names include Asian sea bass, Asian sea lates, and giant sea perch.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Middle East and South Asia to Southeast Asia, East Asia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia. It inhabits rivers, estuaries, billabongs, coastal waters, and other brackish or freshwater environments.

Life cycle and biology

Barramundi is catadromous and protandrous, meaning it migrates between freshwater and saltwater and can change sex from male to female later in life. Spawning occurs in brackish water, with juveniles often moving upstream into freshwater.

Human use

Barramundi is an important species in commercial fishing, recreational angling, and aquaculture. It is widely marketed as a food fish and is especially significant in Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.