Mulloway

{
  "id": "6f4ec4c4-4741-4ff7-baf1-8d9b799f595b",
  "commonName": "Mulloway",
  "scientificName": "Argyrosomus japonicus",
  "slug": "mulloway",
  "category": "saltwater",
  "aliases": [
    "Jewfish",
    "Kob"
  ],
  "description": "The mulloway is a silvery ghost of the estuaries and inshore reefs, built for ambush. Its body is elongated and powerful, with a distinctive convex head profile and a mouth full of crusher plates designed for devouring crabs and prawns. In clear water, they appear almost translucent silver with a coppery sheen along the back; larger specimens, known as 'soapies,' take on a darker, bronzed-gold hue. They are a substantial fish, commonly caught between 60 cm and 1 metre, but true trophies can exceed 1.5 metres and 40 kg, presenting as a heavy, broad-shouldered presence at the end of the line.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/mulloway/main.webp",
  "hero": {
    "blurhash": "UmQT7Ta#t7xaoeayofj[~qt7WBt7-;j@WBj[",
    "altText": "Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) watercolor",
    "caption": "The mulloway is a silvery ghost of the estuaries and inshore reefs, built for ambush.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "63f804ba-8524-40e1-af0f-10115607698d",
      "name": "Juvenile & Sub-Adult",
      "slug": "juvenile-sub-adult",
      "description": "These young mulloway, often called 'soapies' or 'schoolies,' roam in large, nomadic schools within estuaries and protected coastal waters. This is a life stage dedicated to growth and learning the ambush tactics that will define their adult lives, feeding aggressively on small prawns and baitfish.",
      "appearance": "Slender, streamlined body with a pronounced convex head and large eye relative to body size. Coloration is a bright, almost translucent metallic silver over the flanks and belly, often with a faint coppery or bronze wash along the dorsal surface. May show indistinct, irregular darker vertical bars or blotches that fade with size. Typically ranges from 30 cm to 80 cm in length.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Upper and middle reaches of estuaries, tidal rivers, shallow coastal bays, and surf zones. Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms near structure like drop-offs, bridge pylons, or channel edges.",
      "anglersNote": "The most commonly encountered phase by estuarine anglers, often targeted with live bait, lures, or soft plastics. This is a great sportfish on light to medium tackle.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    },
    {
      "id": "4adef593-6b98-433c-b4c5-0d39486e1222",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The solitary, apex predator of the inshore reefs and deep channels. Large adults abandon the schooling life to become lone ambush specialists, using their size and power to prey on substantial crabs, squid, and large baitfish. These are the true trophies of the surf and deep water.",
      "appearance": "A massively proportioned, broad-shouldered fish with a thick, powerful caudal peduncle. The head is large and distinctly convex. The bright silver of youth transforms into a deep, burnished bronze-gold or gunmetal grey over the back and upper flanks, fading to a silvery-white belly. The overall impression is of a heavy, dark, and formidable presence. Size commonly exceeds 1 metre, with trophy fish over 1.5 metres and 40 kg.",
      "triggers": "Reaching a mature size (typically >80-90 cm), often coinciding with a move to deeper, more exposed habitats.",
      "habitat": "Deep holes in lower estuaries, ocean entrances, offshore reefs, and deep, turbulent surf gutters. Often associated with heavy structure like rock bars, wrecks, and deep drop-offs.",
      "anglersNote": "The ultimate prize for dedicated mulloway anglers. Catching these trophies requires heavy tackle, large baits or lures, and precise knowledge of structure and tides.",
      "displayOrder": 1,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:32:11.570Z"
}

[]

[]

{
  "title": null,
  "description": "Mulloway, also known as Jewfish or Kob, are powerful estuarine and reef predators. Learn where to find these trophy fish and how to target them.",
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  "ogDescription": "The Mulloway (Jewfish/Kob) is a prized sportfish found in estuaries and reefs. Discover its habits, habitats, and how anglers can target these powerful predators.",
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    "argyrosomus japonicus",
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