Barramundi is a loanword from a Queensland Australian Aboriginal language of the Rockhampton area meaning "large-scaled river fish".Originally, the name barramundi referred to saratoga and Gulf saratoga.However, the name was appropriated for marketing reasons during the 1980s, a decision which has aided in raising the profile of this fish significantly.It is broadly referred to as Asian seabass by the international scientific community, but is also known as giant perch, giant seaperch, Australian seabass, and by a variety of names in other local languages, such as Ikan Siakap or Ikan Kakap Putih in Malay.The species has an elongate body form with a large, slightly oblique mouth and an upper jaw extending behind the eye.The lower edge of the preoperculum is serrated with a strong spine at its angle. Barramundi can be kept in both fresh and saltwater aquaponic systems.

Barramundi is of large commercial importance and it is fished internationally and raised in aquaculture systems in Australia. Smaller specimens are a popular aquarium fish and can be very entertaining especially at feeding time. In aquaria they become quite tame and can be hand fed, they are non aggressive species however the feeding reflex is violent and sudden so they can not be kept with any tank mates small enough to be swallowed.

As food Barramundi have white, flaky flesh and have reputation as good eating fish. We currently have Barramundi in the system running at Rush Creek.