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Also known as Butterfish, this is a very common species in bays and estuaries in proximity to jetties and landings. They occur in active, flashing shoals and are usually detested as bait thieves by anglers. However, they are often taken at 230 mm (nine inches), reaching at least 270 mm (10.5 inches); at such sizes they are not to be despised as pan fishes, for they are very good eating.
They may be fished for with a floating line baited with squid or fish bait (prawns are too readily picked off). on a hook no larger than No. 7. The Diamond fish is bright silver in colour with a greenish or brownish back. The tips of the dorsal and anal fins are smudged with black; the caudal is bright yellow. There are two dusky vertical bands in the head and nape region becoming progressively fainter with age. Juveniles are extremely tolerant to salinity changes and make very attractive freshwater aquarium fishes.
The surface shoals of Diamond fish near jetties often have larger and more desirable angling species associated with them, or lying closer to the bottom. These include large Bream, Kingfish. Flathead, and Mangrove Jacks. All of the latter can be fished successfully by putting down quite large baits; whole Hardyheads. or fish fillets on a 1.8m (six foot) trace, using a comparatively heavy sinker to take the bait down through the swarming Diamond fish.
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