Scientists believe they have found genetic differences between fish from Asia and Australia, making it easier to trace where fish are from.
Associate Professor Dean Gerry from James Cook University in north Queensland says he has been looking at the genetic differences in the fish for the past couple of years.
He says scientists have discovered that barramundi in different areas have developed unique genetic traits, similar to a sub-species.
"They're at the point where, even though they're isolated, they haven't evolved into a new species as what may happen over millions of years but they've started to genetically diverge from each other so they've become quite genetically different," he said.
Associate Professor Gerry says the discovery will make it easier to identify the origin of fish.
He says the research proves barramundi from the two regions are vastly different.
"What this means is that any product that we pick, whether it's at a supermarket or at a fish market somewhere, we can with almost 100 per cent certainty tell whether it is an Australian or an Asian fish," he said.