The King of threadfins!

Yes, king threadfin (Polydactylus macrochir) was previously known as king SALMON.

But there-in lies the problem with common fish names.

King 'salmon' is an Australian salmon, not at all like the orange-fleshed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) that consumers are more familiar with. It is also not at all like the Australian salmon (Arripis trutta) that you can catch in more southern waters off the beach.

So, to reduce confusion, and after much deliberation and consultation, the Australian Fish Names Standard (https://www.frdc.com.au/knowledge-hub/standards/australian-fish-names-standard) now calls the king 'salmon', KING THREADFIN, within the threadfin salmon family.

So, what is the tale of the King Threadfin?

King threadfin is a large inshore fish, reaching up to approximately 150cm in length. Interestingly, king threadfin begin life as males, but change to females (Bibby et al., 1997). Maximum age has been found to be 22 years! They are found mostly in rivers and estuaries, as well as shallow sand or mudflats on Qld's east coast and the Gulf of Carpentaria. (They also occur in the NT and Western Aus, but our focus is Qld). These 2 areas are 2 separate genetic stocks (Welch et al., 2010). Legal catch size limits vary between these areas (65cm on the east coast and 60cm in the Gulf: see Size and possession limits in tidal waters | Recreation, sport and arts | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)).

King threadfin is a popular catch for recreational, charter and indigenous fishers, plus a very important commercially caught species. They are generally caught when commercial fishers are also fishing for barramundi. Commercial catches are controlled by limited licencing, restricted gear sizes, closed areas, and a 3 month closed season over the summer spawning period. Catches primarily are affected by river flows - like many inshore species, low flows are associated with lower catchability and a reduction in and reproductive success, and vice versa (Halliday and Robins, 2007).

Yes, yes, but how does it TASTE?

King threadfin have mild tasting, firm white flesh, with large flakes. We find them to be very delicate! Threadfin is perfect for cooking however you choose. We have tried them grilled, crumbed and battered, and found all very delicious. The crumbed fish does tend to flake apart when handled. If you take it home to cook yourself, you can grill or bbq the fillets lightly seasoned on a medium heat. If you like, add flavours such as citrus, or butter and herbs – they pick up the flavours very well.

Enjoy!