Queenfish: Scomberoides commersonianus

This sporting predator is generally underrated as a gamefish and rarely targeted by blue water anglers. In fact, it is a worthy opponent on light tackle and often spectacular if caught while fly-fishing.

Anglers should beware if they catch juvenile specimens, as they are equipped with poisonous spines on their backs. They appear to lose these weapons as they mature and reach adulthood.

Queenfish are generally encountered close to shore and even in mangrove creeks and estuaries. They are fast predators and will eat almost anything that swims. They have a very large mouth, extending well beyond their eyes. The body is slender and silver with a series of "finger-mark" spots along its flanks. Very few Chinese anglers will eat Queenfish, as it their belief that the finger-marks are the fingerprints of God!

The current IGFA World record is a massive 35lb Australian specimen but Phuket Queenies are more likely to be in the 10lb - 20lb range.

Local fishermen do target Queenfish, as they are popular when prepared as saltfish.