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Giant Queenfish

Giant Queenfish

Scomberoides Commersonianus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Scomberoides Commersonianus

Other names Giant Dart, Giant Leatherskin, Queenfish, Queenie, Skinny Fish, Talang Queenfish, White Fish

Size Up to 1.2 m (3.93 ft)

Weight Up to 18 kg (40 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, estuaries, reefs & offshore islands

Depth Range 0 - 100 m (330 ft)

Interesting Info

The Giant Queenfish is a sleek, silvery predator famous for its speed, leaps, and dazzling battles with anglers.
It is the largest of all queenfishes, reaching up to 120 cm (47 in) and weighing over 18 kg (40 lb), though most caught are around 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
In Australia, it is found across northern waters from Shark Bay in Western Australia to northern Queensland, including the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Globally, it ranges through the tropical Indo–West Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea to India, Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, and the western Pacific islands.
Its body is slender and silvery with six to eight large round black spots along the mid-side, which make it easy to identify.
Juveniles often live inshore in estuaries, bays, and shallow reefs, while adults prefer coastal reefs, drop-offs, and open waters.
They are lightning-fast hunters, feeding on baitfish like sardines, anchovies, and mullet, as well as squid and prawns.
When chasing prey, they often leap from the water, flashing silver as they crash back down.
Spawning occurs offshore in tropical waters, with eggs released into the open sea to drift with the currents.
They grow quickly and are thought to live up to about 10 years, shorter-lived than many other large gamefish.
Giant Queenfish are prized sportfish, known for their acrobatic fights and blistering runs on light tackle.
In some places, they are also eaten locally, though their flesh can be dry compared to more sought-after reef fish.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing, Snorkelling & Diving

For recreational fishers, the Giant Queenfish is one of northern Australia’s most exciting sportfish, famous for its spectacular leaps and sizzling runs. They are often caught by trolling, casting lures, or fly fishing near reef edges, current lines, and schools of bait. Snorkellers and divers may see them slicing through baitfish schools or patrolling reef drop-offs in small groups.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Carangiformes

Family: Carangidae

Genus: Scomberoides

Species: Scomberoides commersonnianus

Conservation Status

The Giant Queenfish is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is widespread and still common across the Indo–Pacific. While targeted by sport and artisanal fisheries in some regions, its fast growth and wide range mean populations are considered stable.

Fish Taste Quality

Giant Queenfish are edible but not regarded as top table fish. Their flesh is firm but can be quite dry, making them better suited for curries or smoking than for grilling.

Taste Rating: 2.5/5