Green Jobfish

Aprion Virescens
Green Jobfish - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Aprion Virescens
Other names Jobfish, Olive Jobfish
Size Up to 1.12 m (3.67 ft)
Weight Up to 15.4 kg (34 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, deep lagoons & channels amongst reefs
Depth Range 20 - 200 m (656 ft)
Green Jobfish Distribution

Interesting Info

  • The Green Jobfish is a species of fish found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the northern coast of Australia. This includes Western Australia to northern New South Wales.
  • They have a distinctive appearance with an elongated, compressed body shape, and a deep, laterally compressed head. They have a prominent lower jaw and a large, slightly oblique mouth with sharp, pointed teeth. The body is typically olive-green in colour with a silvery sheen and has a series of irregular vertical bars along the sides.
  • Green Jobfish are carnivorous, opportunistic predators and will eat a variety of prey species depending on their availability, including small fish, crustaceans, squid, and cuttlefish.
  • They are known for their powerful swimming ability and are capable of reaching high speeds when hunting or evading predators.
  • Green Jobfish are believed to spawn in deep offshore waters during the warmer months of the year. Females are known to produce large numbers of small, pelagic eggs, which are fertilised externally by the male. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae drift in the open ocean before settling in shallow, coastal waters.
  • Green Jobfish are known to be slow-growing and long-lived, and it can take several years for individuals to reach maturity and begin breeding.
  • Estimates of lifespan are up to 25 years.
Species Interaction

Recreational & Commercial Fishing

Green Jobfish are a popular target for recreational fishers due to their large size and sporting qualities. They are also prized for their high-quality flesh, which is firm, white, and flavourful. They are often considered a trophy fish and are highly sought after by recreational fishers. They are also a commercially important species, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. They are valued as a high-quality eating fish.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Lutjanidae

Genus: Aprion

Species: Aprion virescens

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Green Jobfish in Australia is classified as “Least Concern” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. In Australia, the Green Jobfish is not listed as a threatened species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Fish Taste Quality

Green jobfish are considered to be a high-quality food fish with firm, white, and flavourful flesh.

Taste Rating: 4/5

How to catch
Green Jobfish

Catch Difficulty: Intermediate

Tackle: Running Sinker Rig, Artificial Rig

Bait: Anchovy, Fresh cut flesh baits, Lures, Pilchards, Prawns, Squid

Technique: Keep bait on the bottom, Keep bait close to the reef/structure, Trolling, Cast lures close to structure

Popularity: Highly Targeted