Australian Anchovy

Baitfish anchovy
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit50

 

possession limit100

 

boat limit-

Limits relate to baitfish species combined.

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

anchovy, southern anchovy


Scientific name

Engraulis australis

Grows to


Up to

16cm and 200 grams

Identifying features


​A small bait fish with a blunt rounded snout protruding beyond a long mouth which extends back behind the eye. The body is greenish above with a broad silver stripe along the side of the body.  Similar to Australian sardines and sprats, but usually smaller.

​Habitat

A coastal schooling fish which commonly enters large estuaries and bays, although sometimes found out to depths of 200m.

Fishing information

Taken using a beach seine, bait or cast net. Anchovies form compact schools and can be detected by the presence of diving birds. Often used as bait by recreational fishers.

Handling

Will shed scales and die quickly when taken out of the water so should be chilled rapidly to prevent deterioration.

Cooking

This species is generally boned, filleted and preserved, packed in either oil or salt. They have many uses as a complex seasoning or flavour component.

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