Tasselled Anglerfish

Anglerfish Taselated
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit2

 

possession limit4

 

boat limit-

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Other names

frogfish, tasselled angler, tasselled frogfish


Scientific name

Rhycherus filamentosus

Grows to


Up to

23cm

Identifying features


​This anglerfish is dark yellow to reddish brown with brown blotches on its sides and cheek. The underside is cream. It is very well camouflaged with numerous fine short filament-like appendages which break the fish’s outline making it look more like a piece of seaweed or rock than a fish. On its head there is a worm-like fishing rod that it uses to attract potential food such as small fish and shrimp. It has a large mouth which it opens at high speed to suck prey into its throat.

​Habitat

Found around rocky reefs in waters between 2 to 60 metres depth.

Fishing information

Rarely encountered by recreational fishers as the anglerfish’s preference is for live food only. Anglers using live bait such as sand worms may encounter it.  They are fairly common but not often seen.

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au