Papuan Black Bass (Lutjanus goldiei) also called ‘Papuan black snapper’ or Niugini bass. Black bass inhabit brackish and fresh waters, they are opportunistic and omnivorous in their diet. They consume crabs, fish (including catfish, smaller bass, small crocodiles and mammals. In common with many large, riverine fish, Black Bass are territorial. In areas where there is little tidal influence they remain in the one general area, but where there are large tides they move with the tides and changing river flows and water levels. 

Spot-tail Bass (Lutjanus fuscescens) also known “Freshwater snapper” generally inhabit the more upper reaches of the river systems. Spot-tail bass are also opportunistic and omnivorous in their diet and territorial like their relatives the Black Bass.

Black Bass are caught in conjunction with mangrove jack & Spot-tail Bass (in New Britain) and are the prime target of recreational (sports) fishers.

In sportfishing circles it is generally considered that ‘pound for pound’ they are the strongest fish swimming in either fresh or salt water.

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