Hi there brains trust.
For years I have wondered why pictures of big mulloway often show a pink area of bruising on the flanks. In contrast, I have never seen this on underwater footage of NSW/Qld mulloway taken by divers and spearos. I am really curious to see if anyone knows more. I even began to collect images to see if the bruising was limited to one side, or the other, and if it occurred only on largest fish. 
Early indications are it is mainly surf-caught, bigger fish, and often down the side toward the vent. See examples below, and the one with a yellow circle.
The only things I have shortlisted from a range of possibilities are (a) a parasitic infection of some sort on the skin under the scales, (b) sand rubbing the fish when it is being landed, (c) some sort of contact with the line during the  typical way mulloway fight, and (c) "spawning behaviour" where males might nudge females.
As a semi-retired fish biologist, this is one of those questions that buzzes around in my head begging for an answer!! I don't think it is anything sinister.
Apologies if the photos below are yours! I just Googled them off various FaceBook forums and the net.
Any ideas or observations??
Thanks

Hi i'm doing an assignment for Uni where im making a fishing magazine however im struggling to find a high definition photo that i can use for the cover.
If anyone has any good photos of you with a nice fish that you think would look good for a magazine, please post below or personally message me!
None of this will be posted anywhere, simply for my uni assignment
Thanks in advanced!!

Just a reminder for those who aren't already following OnkaStompa on Facebook... Onkastompa is on this weekend!!!
The Strike & Hook crew will be manning the BBQ so come and grab a snag and a drink and help raise fund for The Childhood Cancer Association 👍
Onkastompa Fishing Competition 13 (Onkaparinga City Council Community Event of The Year Winner 2018) 
Date - Sunday 11th November
Time - 7am - 12pm followed by presentations
Location - Perrys Bend Onkaparinga River (Noarlunga Downs)
Entry Fee - Donation to Childhood Cancer of your choice (Generosity encouraged for this great cause)
Registration - Upon Arrival
Rules and Fishable Area - explained upon registration but due to past numbers I am restricting fishing to 1 rod per person as I cannot extend the fishable area as in Onkastompa 12
Everyone who attends and donates receives a ticket into the many random draws for prizes.
Categories -
Biggest Overall Bream (Onkastompa Champion)
Biggest Bream Men
Biggest Bream Women
Biggest Bream Junior 15<
Biggest Mulloway (Open Class)
Biggest "Other Fish" Senior
Biggest "Other Fish Junior 15<
BBQ and Drinks available with every cent going to the cause so please bring your thirst and hunger
For Sale Table - Fishing and other goods will be for sale at AMAZING prices, again with every cent going to the cause. Card facilities available
Merchandise - Polo and Hoody designs released soon 👍
Animal Relocation and Education will have a couple of pythons and a Freshwater Croc to handle and get pics with on the day 🤪🤪For the kids, however was popular with the adults last year also 👍

With great weather forecast i made the tow to Yorkes with a couple of mates, one who is a wizz with a camera..  What a day we had...
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