Congolli

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

bag limit5

 

possession limit10

 

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

freshwater flathead, sandy, tupong, sand trout, sanding, sandy whiting, congolly


Scientific name

Pseudaphritis urvillii

Grows to


Up to

36cm

Identifying features


​​With their long cylindrical body, congolli can look similar to a flathead with marbled dark brown and light brown patches. Two black bars extend from the head to behind the eye which is yellowish around a black pupil. The mouth is large and the underside coloured clear to silvery.  Recent research shows that congolli share a common ancestor with a number of Antarctic fish including the toothfish and icefish species.​

​Rules

If fishing above seaward limits then an Inland Fisheries licence may be required.

Habitat

Found in brackish estuaries and bays over sand and seagrass and in the lower parts of freshwater creeks that run into the sea in water depths between 0-5 metres. Spawning occurs in the marine section of an estuary.

Fishing information

Mainly used for live bait in the pursuit of catching large sea run trout. They will take a small bait on occasions. Congolli often bury themselves in sand or mud waiting to prey on small fish and invertebrates.

Handling

These fish are small and delicate so use wet hands or towel to release. Empty bait nets in the water to release fish in excess of the bag limit.

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 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

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