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Spotted saratoga (Scleropages leichardti) — Osteoglossidae

Spotted saratoga

Scleropages leichardti

The Spotted saratoga (Scleropages leichardti) is a freshwater fish of the family Osteoglossidae that grows up to 100 cm.

Length
100 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The spotted saratoga is an ancient, large bonytongue (Osteoglossidae) from fresh water of eastern Australia. The species grows to about 1 metre and has an elongate, laterally compressed body with large scales each bearing a red spot in the centre and an upturned mouth. As a surface predator it hunts insects, small fish and crustaceans. It is a mouthbrooder: the male carries the young in its mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted saratoga?

The Spotted saratoga has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Spotted saratoga live?

The Spotted saratoga lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Spotted saratoga get?

The Spotted saratoga grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.

Is the Spotted saratoga dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted saratoga is harmless to humans.

Is the Spotted saratoga edible?

Yes, the Spotted saratoga is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Spikkelbaars-arowana sourced
English name
Spotted saratoga sourced
Scientific name
Scleropages leichardti
Family
Osteoglossidae
Other names
Barramundi; Dawson river salmon; Saratoga; Southern saratoga verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
100.0 verified
Average length (cm)
55.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Scleropages

More from the family Osteoglossidae

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