Queenfish

Known locally as "Jesh", the Queenfish is one of the most electrifying sport fish in UAE coastal waters. A slender, fast-moving silver predator with a distinctive spotted flank pattern, it hunts in packs along beaches and near creek mouths at dawn and dusk. Famous for spectacular aerial acrobatics when hooked — regularly jumping clear of the water.

Species Stats

Diet

Small fish (especially mullet and sardines), shrimp

Habitat

Coastal pelagic waters, bays, estuaries, surf zones

Local Name (Arabic)

جيش

Fun Facts

• 1

  One of the best light-tackle sport fish in the UAE — it fights hard and leaps repeatedly when hooked.

• 2

  Hunts in coordinated wolf-pack formations, herding baitfish into balls before attacking from below.

• 3

  Dawn and dusk sessions at UAE beach spots like Jumeirah Beach and Al Mamzah produce the best action.

Found In