Fish
Doublespotted Queenfish
Scomberoides lysan
A slim, silvery pelagic raider marked with paired dark spots, hunting bait in KZN's warm surf and estuaries.
Also known as leatherskin, queenfish(doublespot), queenie, talang queenfish
- Typical size
- Commonly 40-70 cm
- Habitat
- Surf zone, reef edges and estuary mouths
- Depth
- Surface to about 15 m
The doublespotted queenfish is a laterally compressed, elongate member of the jack family, bright silver with a double row of dark blotches along the flank and a deeply notched dorsal and anal fin. Its blade-like body and forked tail suit fast, slashing attacks on small fish. It is a warm-water species most common along KwaZulu-Natal beaches, reef edges and estuary mouths.
Queenfish hunt in the surf zone and shallow bays, often chasing baitfish right into the wash where anglers and spearos intercept them. They are strong, agile swimmers that fight hard. Handle with care around the small, sharp teeth and spiny fins; many are released, as the flesh is edible but not highly prized.