Scientists hoping to strike genetic gold with rare coloured barramundi

They’re rare, golden and highly prized by Asian markets, and now scientists are seeking to understand more about the golden barramundi. 

Researchers at James Cook University in Townsville want to create a pure breeding line of the fish, which is in high demand for its clean taste and white flesh.

Barramundi are more commonly grey or silver in colour, and Professor Dean Jerry is working to understand why sometimes they’re born gold. 

“You can’t true breed for it. If you breed two golden barramundi together, you don’t end up with all gold barramundi,” he said. 

“It does have a genetic…