There are some surprising facts about Barramundi Fish. How many of these do you know?

Here’s our running list of 12 fun facts about this remarkable fish. Which fact is your favourite?

Fact 1 Barramundi’s native waters span from Northern Australia up to Southeast Asia and all the way west to the coastal waters of India and Sri Lanka.

Fact 2 Barramundi is known by many around the world as Asian Seabass, although its Scientific common name is Barramundi Perch. Some of the other names include Giant Perch, Palmer, Cockup, Bekti, Nairfish, Silver Barramundi, and Australian Seabass.

Fact 3 The name Barramundi is Aboriginal for “large-scaled silverfish.”

Fact 4 Virtually all barramundi are born male, then turn into females when they are three to four years old. This means female barramundi can only be courted by younger males!

Fact 5 Barramundi live in freshwater, saltwater, and estuaries (where fresh and saltwater meet).

Fact 6 Barramundi are catadromous fish, meaning that they are born in the ocean and live in freshwater — basically the opposite lifestyle of the salmon. However, they also are able to live purely in saltwater.

Fact 7 A Barramundi’s age is determined by counting growth rings on their scales (much like counting growth rings on a tree).

Fact 8 Large female Barramundi can produce upwards of 32 million eggs in a season.

Fact 9 Barramundi have been recorded to be over 4 feet long. And weighing over 90 lbs!

Fact 10 Barramundi can travel great distances in a lifetime.  One fish was tagged and found 400 miles away.

Fact 11 Juvenile Barramundi have a distinguishing characteristic.  The presence of a white dorsal head stripe when they’re between one and five centimeters long.

Fact 12 Barramundi spawn on the full moon.  Their iridescent skin can be seen shimmering through the water during their ‘love dance’.

Photo Credit:  howtocatchanyfish.com