Bearded Rock Cod

Cod bearded
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit15

 

possession limit30

 

boat limit-

Limits apply to cod 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

cod, southern rock cod, red rock cod, slimies, beardie


Scientific name

Pseudophycis barbata

Grows to


Up to

70cm and 6kg

Identifying features


​This cod is reddish-brown and predominantly white or pink below. A black margin is sometimes found surrounding the dorsal, anal and tail fins. They have small scales and a mucous film covering their bodies.

​Habitat

Bearded rock cod live in open coastal waters over hard bottom and rocky reefs in depths from 1-300 metres.

Fishing information

Frequently caught by fishing on the bottom using bait such as fish and squid any time during the day or night. Often confused with another cod species found in Tasmania, the red cod, Pseudophycis bachus, which has a black spot behind its gill covers. Red cod rarely move about during the day so tend to be caught more at night.

Cooking

Cod has a low oil content, delicate flavour and soft flesh which is easily flaked and may be further improved by smoking. Use as fillets or whole. Suitable to bake, barbecue, fry, grill, marinate, poach, smoke, use in soup and steam.

Recipe: Cod and Spinach Bake:

500g cod fillets; 300g frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs; 1 egg, whisked; salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 180°C. In a bowl, mix the spinach, half the cheddar cheese, about 5 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs and the egg. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a small baking dish. Arrange the cod fillets on top of the spinach mixture and season with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Cover and bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven or until cod flakes easily with a fork.

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